Georgia and South Carolina law enforcement officials have dismantled a marijuana grow operation in Northeast Georgia. Authorities seized over a half-million dollars worth of potted pot from an abandoned dairy farm in rural Franklin County.
Officials found the plants growing inside a fortified concrete structure. The GBI says the facility was outfitted with reinforced doors with key pad entry and a state-of-the-art alarm and surveillance system.
Franklin County authorities raided the facility. They found 556 marijuana plants in various stages of growth along with an elaborate watering and lighting system that was attached to tracks suspended from the ceiling.
found 556 marijuana plants in various stages of growth along with an elaborate watering and lighting system that was attached to tracks suspended from the ceiling.
The street value of the plants is $565,000.
Joint investigation
The discovery followed a four month-long joint investigation. Officials believe the sophisticated marijuana grow operation operated for approximately five years.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement (ARDEO), South Carolina’s State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and Georgia Department of Public Safety participated in Monday’s take-down.
One man was arrested. Wesley B. Lothery of Fair Play, South Carolina was taken into custody after authorities say they found nine marijuana plants at his house along with various items used in a grow operation.
The investigation revealed Lothery was the caretaker of the marijuana grow operation in Georgia, according to the GBI.
Lothery is charged in South Carolina with manufacturing marijuana and possession of a controlled substance (Loritab). He faces trafficking and manufacturing marijuana charges in Georgia.
Lothery was transported to the Oconee County, South Carolina Detention Center.
Georgia authorities seized three financial accounts associated with the investigation.
The investigation continues. More arrests are expected.
