Last week, Washington County authorities arrested four people for allegedly growing marijuana at three different homes in Saint Paul Park.
The big bust resulted in the seizure of more than 2,000 pot plants.
It began last Monday at 1335 3rd St., where authorities opened the door and found 365 marijuana plants.
Sheriff Steve Pott called it part of the biggest marijuana growing operation in recent memory.
?For some reason people don't see (marijuana) as glamorous as cocaine or methamphetamine, but it's one of the more common drugs,? he said, ?especially in Washington County.?
An anonymous tipster led investigators to the house on 3rd Street, and to two other homes just blocks away. Between the three locations, Pott said authorities collected 2100 plants, with a total estimated street value of $250,000.
?Between the three (locations),? Pott said, ?we estimate them (producing) about a million dollars worth of marijuana a year.?
Pott said he didn't know if the three operations are linked, even though the three houses are located in the same neighborhood.
Four people now face charges felony drug charges:
James R. Super, of Minneapolis, faces the most serious charges. He was found inside the house on 3rd Street and charged with second- and third-degree felonies for possession and intent to distribute. He also is charged with a firearms violation for possessing a handgun.
Authorities arrested Jennifer L. Rolfing, and Jeremiah Hirman, at 8084 Grey Cloud Island Drive. Both are residents of Forest Lake, and both were charged with fifth-degree manufacturing and possession offenses.
Nicholas A. Lebow was arrested at 1190 Main Street and faces a third-degree manufacturing charge.
When investigators found the plants, they also found elaborate lighting, heating and watering systems.
These were people who took their marijuana seriously, Sheriff Pott said.
By Scott Goldberg, KARE 11 News
(Copyright 2005 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
