Pubdate: Sun, 01 Sep 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

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.
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