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During the Friday sting on the Morris Street home, owned by a Marlette man, 67, the Sanilac County Sheriff's Department drug team uncovered a three-stage indoor marijuana growing operation. Law enforcement seized 35 plants, about 10 pounds of processed marijuana, $12,800 in cash, a loaded firearm, two vehicles and a computer.

"The suspect let us in the home after being advised we had a search warrant for the home," said Sanilac Drug Task Force Director William Gray. "He was cooperative, but he knew the jig was up. We found a pound of marijuana at the basement steps, and nine pounds of packaged marijuana in a basement refrigerator."

There were three separate marijuana growing areas set up for specific stages of cultivation. The first had 20 small marijuana plants in starter cups under grow lights. In a second room there were 10 potted 36-inch tall plants developing under large grow lights with a watering hoses running in the basement areas. In a third room were six mature plants ripening under a large grow light that was mounted to an automated ceiling track to assure even distribution. Additional processed weed was found in the kitchen and upstairs, including a digital scale and packaging material.

"It was an incredible growing operation, with high quality plants," said Gray. "On a scale of one to 10, his plants were a nine, if not a 10. This guy really knew what he was doing."

The former Marlette grocery store owner, who has not yet been arraigned, was questioned and released pending the outcome of testing. He told police he kept the shotgun as protection after a series of four mysterious burglaries at his house.

"Because of enhanced charges, due to the number of plants, there will be additional testing involved," said Gray.

Penalties of maintaining a drug house may be enhanced because the home is located within 1,000 feet of a Marlette school. The man, who has no significant prior criminal record, also faces potential charges of manufacture of more than 20 marijuana plants, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Sanilac Drug Force investigators were assisted by Marlette Police Department Lt. Brian McGinnis and officer Steve Lautner and Sanilac Sheriff's Sgt. Robert Willis.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com