[Sativa]

In recent weeks, thousands of marijuana plants worth millions of dollars have been uncovered in more than 70 houses, authorities said.

Ruth Porter-Whipple, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, says until this year, indoor grow houses were very uncommon for Georgia.

In contrast, authorities found only nine indoor grow houses in 2005 and 2006 in Georgia.

Growers used to use remote countryside spots to grow the illegal plants.

But they were forced to move their operations indoors as authorities became adept at spotting the plants from the air. "They got caught year after year," said Corporal Bill Bunch of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says by moving the plants inside, growers found a side benefit, year-round plant growth inside, growers found a side season that lasts just a few months, Bunch said.

Captain Mike Pruitt of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department, says the current series of marijuana raids began after authorities in Fayette County received a tip from DEA agents in Miami.

Investigators arrested the owner of a hydroponics store, which focuses on soil-less growing, in Fayetteville and the paper trail led them to grow houses scattered across metro Atlanta.

Authorities say the marijuana is being cultivated in part for distribution across the country, especially in New York, where demand there means a higher profit for growers.

Newshawk: CoZmO - 420Magazine.com
Source: 13WMAZ.com (GA)
Author: Lindsay Crump
Contact: lcrump@wmaz.gannett.com
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Website: 13WMAZ.com - Central Georgia