CRESTVIEW HILLS – Ohio Authorities searched a house owned by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson after a package containing 2.5 pounds ofCaliforniamarijuana was delivered to the home, according to an article in USAtoday. A spokesw

oman for the California Department of Justice says investigators found 6 more pounds of pot inside the residence.

Authorities say Simpson and Bengals teammate Anthony Collins were at the residence when a woman, identified as Aleen Smith, 27, accepted a package Tuesday at Simpson’s home. Authorities then detained Simpson and Collins, but no one was formally charged. Simpson told police he lived at the residence and gave officers consent to search the grounds.

Officers seized drug paraphernalia including “packaging materials, scales and smoking devices.”

Tommy LaNier, head of the National Marijuana Initiative said the house was set up as a potential drug distribution network.

“They had it all set up to receive supplies of high-grade marijuana from Northern California, and from there, it was being distributed from that residence,” LaNier said.

Police say more details on the incident will be released later today by the Kenton County Prosecutor’s office.

The trail that lead to Simpson’s residence began Sept. 19.  A narcotics unit devoted to detecting and tracking alleged marijuana shipments flagged a package, which originated inEureka,Calif., at aSacramentoshipping center.

California authorities then alertedKentuckylaw enforcement, and they kept an eye on it while it was transported.

Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said the organization was aware of the reports but as of right now has no comment.

Both players are in their fourth years with the Bengals. Simpson was drafted in the second round three years ago and has emerged as one of the team’s starting wide receivers. He had a career-high four receptions and 136 yards last week in the team’s loss atDenver.

Collins, a fourth-round pick, is listed as a backup left tackle, he has started 16 games during his career.

Under NFL rules, both players could be subject to discipline under the league’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies. Drug testing was suspended during the league’s lockout this past summer, but restarted when it ended in late July.

Calls to Collins’ and Simpson’s agents were not returned.

However, both Collins and Simpson did participate in Wednesday’s practice in preparation for Sunday’s game againstSan Francisco.

By: South Carolina Drug Crime Lawyer Pete Strom