SAMPSON DEPUTIES FIND 2,400 MARIJUANA PLANTS

CLINTON - Sampson County deputies on Thursday found 2,400 marijuana
plants potentially worth $6 million in the Ivanhoe community.

The plants and a camp site were spotted from the air about a half mile
off Dr. Kerr Road, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office.

The site is about 30 miles southeast of Clinton.

The landowner had no knowledge of the camp that was set up in the
remote and heavily wooded area, the release said.

"The persons growing the marijuana were squatters who were using
someone else's land for their illegal purposes," Sheriff Jimmy
Thornton said.

Deputies who hiked into the site found tents, food and toiletries,
including a toothbrush and razor hanging from a branch over a nearby
creek, the release said.

A water pump and generator were found in a dug-out area of the creek
bed, the release said. It fed several hoses used to keep the plants
watered, the release said.

No one was found at the camp, and no arrests have been
made.

The plants were valued at $2,500 each, based on federal guidelines,
said Capt. Eric Pope