MICHIGAN STATE POLICE: BE ON LOOKOUT FOR ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROWING ON
PUBLIC LAND

Michigan State Police are asking people to be on the lookout this
summer for marijuana growing on public land.

Each spring and summer, narcotics officers step up their efforts to
find marijuana growing in fields and parks.

Police say the marijuana grow sites are often connected to drug
trafficking organizations, which are highly-organized criminal
enterprises trafficking in multiple illegal narcotics. Last year,
there were confirmed drug trafficking organization growing operations
in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, police said. The grow sites will
contain anywhere from hundreds to thousands of plants.

People who find marijuana are advised to note the location, leave and
call law enforcement officers.

Michigan State Police also announced they busted a large marijuana
grow operation in Rome Township in Lenawee County this week.

Officers seized approximately 7,000 marijuana plants with an estimated
street value of $7 million on Monday. They also seized numerous grow
lights, watering system and ventilation equipment, 25 pounds of
processed marijuana, $2,500 cash and several handguns.

The plants were found in a full-size greenhouse, barn and several
fields. Police said the plants were in various stages of growth, from
seedlings to mature plants ready for harvest. Several more fields were
being prepared for additional growing plots, police said.

A husband and wife in their 60s were arrested and face marijuana
manufacturing charges.