The METRICH Enforcement Unit made its largest marijuana bust in several years Monday night.

It concluded an investigation over the last few months into marijuana being sent from California to Mansfield through the mail and commercial package delivery companies.

METRICH detectives conducted a controlled delivery of 17 pounds of marijuana at 354 Wayne Street, where 33-year-old Layton Dawes of 806 Greenfield Drive was arrested on two counts of Aggravated Possession of Marijuana.

Detectives then served a search warrant at Dawes' residence where they seized 276 pounds of marijuana.

Detectives also identified 36-year-old Ronnie Perry as part of the marijuana trafficking ring.  A search warrant was served at his home at 804 Greenfield Drive where 170 pounds of marijuana and $50,000 cash were seized.

Three vehicles were also seized during the search warrants.

Perry was also arrested June 18th during another controlled delivery of 20 pounds of marijuana at a Hedges Street address.

METRICH was assisted by U.S. Postal Inspectors, Mansfield Police, the Ohio Highway Patrol, and Ashland Police.    

 If convicted of the second-degree felony charges, Dawes and Perry face mandatory eight-year prison terms.

Richland County prosecutors are reviewing the case for possible drug trafficking charges.