Authorities seize 1,320 marijuana plants

Bust valued at $1.9 million

SOAP LAKE — The Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team was involved in a cultivated marijuana bust in Soap Lake Monday, Aug. 21.

According to Grant County Sheriff's Office chief deputy John Turley, the marijuana was growing inside a 5-acre grain corn field. Authorities recovered 1,320 plants from the field, with an estimated value of $1,500 per plant, meaning the entire amount of marijuana found was worth roughly $1.9 million on the street, according to the sheriff's office.

The plants were seized, taken to the landfill and buried, Turley said.

Charges are pending against the land owner, and Turley said a seizure of the land is possible. This is the second time a bust has been made at the location.

In addition to INET, the sheriff's office worked with the DEA, Washington State Patrol and International Guard.

- Staff report