Pubdate: Thu, 01 Aug 2002 Source: Deseret News (UT) Copyright: 2002 Deseret News Publishing Corp. Contact: http://www.desnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124 Author: Pat Reavy, Deseret News staff writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) THIS, THAT, 'N POT IN HOME GARDEN Renter With A Green Thumb Gets Busted At first glance, it looked like a typical neighborhood garden with good-size zucchini, tomatoes and squash. But upon closer inspection, there was some green leafy stuff that wouldn't make it to the Farmers Market. Acting on an anonymous tip from a neighbor, Salt Lake County sheriff's drug agents found up to 80 marijuana plants, all between 2 and 3 feet tall, growing in a back-yard garden near 4100 South and 1400 East. The plants had an estimated street value of $100,000. Based on the number of plants seized, investigators do not believe the plants were intended solely for the grower's personal use, said Sgt. Don Hutson. A man, 33, who was renting the house was arrested. Smaller marijuana "start-ups" were discovered inside the house. Hutson said it's unusual to find someone growing that many plants right out in the open. Typically, a grower will try to just mix one or two plants in with his garden, he said. Investigators say the garden was somewhat secluded but believe either the neighbors didn't know what pot plants look like or the grower simply assumed his neighbors wouldn't care. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the man had brought tomatoes to her in the past from his garden. She said she made the comment he must be a good gardener based on the high quality of the tomatoes. The neighbor said she had no idea more than just vegetables were being grown. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth