ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - Crews responding to a fire call at an apartment building in St. Joseph found themselves face to face with something entirely.
Namely, a significant marijuana growing operation.
On Monday emergency responders were called to the structure at 709 College Avenue South in St. Joseph on reports of a laundry room fire. Once that blaze was extinguished firefighters went door to door, checking units for signs of fire.
Imagine their surprise when the door to apartment #7 was opened to reveal a number of pot plants. St. Joseph Police summoned the Central Minnesota Violent Offenders Task Force to execute a search warrant.
Investigators recovered 166 marijuana plants and other controlled substances from the apartment.
The resident of the apartment heard about the bust and called police to tell them he was out of town on business. He made arrangements to talk to investigators when he returns.
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