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.