FORMER IBM EXEC JAILED FOR POT OPERATION

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A retired IBM executive must spend four years in prison
for operating a marijuana-growing business from his basement.

Anthony Santropietro was growing 247 marijuana plants in a sophisticated
hydroponic garden in the basement of his Long Hill home.

He pleaded guilty in May to possession of narcotics, and possession of
psychedelic mushrooms with intent to distribute.

Santropietro will have to forfeit about $20,000 worth of lighting and other
high-tech gardening equipment police seized from his house.

Checked-by: Rolf Ernst