Pubdate: Wed, 28 Aug 2002
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Nichole Monroe Bell

OFFICERS CUT DOWN 6,000 POT PLANTS

Marijuana Grove Worth $13.6 Million; No Arrests

LANCASTER Authorities searching for marijuana found and destroyed more than 
6,000 plants growing deep in the woods of southern Lancaster County. The 
estimated street value of the mature plants was $13.6 million, Sheriff 
Johnny Cauthen said Tuesday.

The plants, which were 6 to 8 feet tall, appeared to be part of an 
elaborate operation located off S.C. 200 near Great Falls, he said. The 
plants were growing in neat rows several miles away from the road, Cauthen 
said.

"They've apparently been there all summer," he said.

The growers cut down trees and set up a base camp with camouflage tents and 
other necessities that allowed them to live in the woods several days, 
Cauthen said. The private landowner -- whose name he declined to release -- 
had no idea the plants were being grown on the property, he said.

The plants were found while Lancaster County deputies, along with the 
National Guard, were conducting a routine air surveillance aimed at 
searching for the illegal plants. He said officers found the plants 
Thursday but waited until Sunday to cut them down because they were hoping 
to catch the people responsible for planting them.

Officers decided to destroy the plants because, with the recent rains, they 
were unsure when the growers might return to tend to the crop. Cauthen said 
the grove was the largest Lancaster County deputies had seen in at least 25 
years.
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