Informant leads DTF to huge pot grow

Drug Task Force Agents found more than 350 marijuana plants off of Hwy. 331 just north of the rest area Monday.

DTF Agent Greg Jackson said the task force learned of the grow from the Florala Police Department, who was contacted by an informant who told them there was a substantial grow just off the road north of the 9 mile marker.

Jackson said that the plants are mature and worth $2,000 per plant.

The plants had been fertilized with Miracle Gro, with some topping 9 feet tall.

Jackson said that law enforcement officials would be working through the night searching for more plants.

Additionally, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is expected to conduct an aerial investigation to locate more plants this morning.

Currently there are no suspects in the case, but the person or persons responsible could face drug trafficking charges as a result of the amount of marijuana found.

Despite the legalization of marijuana in other states, it is still very much against the law in Alabama.

DTF Commander Mark Odom said that if anyone knows anything about the grow, they are asked to contact the Drug Task Force at 334-222-3532 or Robbie Barton at the Alabama Beverage Control Board Enforcement at 334-222-4914

This is one of the larger marijuana busts made in recent years.

In July 2015, DTF agents found a substantial underground pot growing operation at a Florala residence. There, they found 40 growing plants and 40 plants that had been harvested.

In July 2013, agents seized 439 marijuana plants after a six-week investigation into an operation located in three separate areas off Union Tower Road.

The Star-News will continue to update this story as more details become available.