Area marijuana-growing operations uprooted
Nearly 800 full-grown marijuana plants were uprooted in Washington County this week as the result of an aerial investigation revealed Friday by the Washington County district attorney.
District Attorney Gene Vittone said most of the plants were discovered growing along utility rights of way and forest glades where there was sufficient sunlight to allow them to thrive.
Investigators using specialized equipment were able to see growing operations from the air, allowing police on the ground to move in and seize the plants, which were then destroyed, Vittone said.
“Under current Pennsylvania law, growing marijuana plants is a felony,” he said. “It is also part of the illegal drug trade, with all of its associated violence.”
Some of the plants were found inside Washington city limits, while others were located in Carroll and South Strabane townships, Vittone said.
Assisting in the investigation were state police, the Pennsylvania National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the state Game Commission and the Civil Air Patrol.