John Robert Boone, known as the Godfather of Grass, was arrested in Montreal after spending eight years on the run.
Cannabis plants grow in the greenhouse at Vireo Health's medical marijuana cultivation facility, Aug. 19, 2016, in Johnstown, New York. Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The leader of Kentucky’s infamous Cornbread Mafia was arrested in Canada on Thursday after spending eight years on the run, according to reports. John Johnny” Robert Boone, also called the “Godfather of Grass” and “King of Pot,” was apprehended in a town near Montreal, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

A federal arrest warrant for Boone was initially issued back in 2008 after authorities found 2,400 marijuana plants on his farm in Kentucky. Authorities were unable to locate Boone, who already served prison time for two other federal charges, until now following an extensive fugitive investigation. If convicted a third time, Boone could serve life in prison on charges of manufacture and possession with intent to sell marijuana.

Boone, who was once featured on “America’s Most Wanted,” was first convicted on drug charges back in the 1980s. Boone, who is said to be about 73-years-old now, reportedly operated 29 cannabis farms in at least nine different states with other Cornbread Mafia members, 70 of whom were also arrested for their participation in the drug ring in the 1980s. The group is said to be responsible for transporting cannabis to states with cold climates unsuitable for growing marijuana. During court trials in the late 1980s, prosecutors accused Boone and his organization for transporting marijuana across state lines by concealing cannabis inside of cattle.

While on trial in 1988, after which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, Boone reportedly said he grew, transported and sold marijuana as a means to provide for his family.

“With the poverty at home, marijuana is sometimes one of the things that puts bread on the table,” he said. “We were working with our hands on earth God gave us.”

The marijuana outlaw’s criminal record dates back to the 1960s with a variety of charges including possession of an illegal firearm and wanton endangerment.

Boone was held at a Canada jail where he is reportedly awaiting extradition back to the U.S.

RELATED STORIES
Canada