In connection with the arrest of a Florida man suspected of operating an illegal grow operation, Colorado officials recovered roughly 1,000 marijuana plants and about $1 million worth of dried marijuana.
According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Lazaro Piloto-Gomez was arrested last Wednesday as a result of information concerning alleged illegal narcotics operations in a remote area of the state.
Detectives returned with a warrant to examine two attached outbuildings and a residence after the 57-year-old Florida resident admitted to possessing more than 12 marijuana plants on his property, according to the sheriff’s office.
Colorado allows the usage of marijuana, but the state forbids households from having more than 12 marijuana plants.
One substantial outbuilding contained 939 marijuana plants and nearly 10 pounds of dried marijuana product, which the sheriff’s office estimated to be worth $969,000 in total.
Another 20 plants were discovered in a smaller detached garage, together with tools and materials often used for packaging and distributing marijuana, according to the investigators.
According to the authorities, the electrical system was altered, and the house and outbuildings were both condemned.
A charge of marijuana cultivation and manufacturing with the intent to distribute more than 50 pounds is brought against Piloto-Gomez. Investigation into the operation was still ongoing.
