Large marijuana grow operation discovered

By: ABC57 Staff

Posted: Nov 14, 2012 1:36 PM EDT | Updated: Nov 6, 2014 1:56 PM EDT

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department located a large marijuana grow operation in a wooded area near the 78000 block of 38th Avenue in Covert Township.

Deputies received a tip about the operation.

Detectives located 1,732 marijuana plants worth an estimated $1.7 million.

Detectives also found a campsite, empty fertilizer bags, empty food wrappers and a hole containing a water source.

Investigators believe the operation may be related to one discovered on August 22, 2012 in the 78000 block of 40th Avenue. Deputies say 1,781 plants were seized from that operation.

Detectives believe the two may be related because of the same type of land clearing, planting and watering materials found during the investigation.

If you have any information on the marijuana grow operation, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-342-7867, Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or your local police department.