ALLEGAN, Mich. – Investigators in Allegan and Van Buren Counties have seized over 220 marijuana plants and 40 pounds of processed marijuana in an alleged grow operation on M-40.
Two men, Ernest Arias and Josue Salazar, have been named in U.S. District Court documents alleging that they manufactured 50 or more marijuana plants. They are currently free on bond and face possible federal charges.
Investigators say they received a tip about the operation in April and that they have noticed over time “abnormally high electricity usage” at the location in Allegan County. When police went to the home on June 10, Arias and Salazar tried to run away from the back of the home into the woods. Arias fell and was apprehended. Salazar was caught a short time later. Police say Arias was carrying $1,000 in cash.
Investigators the next day found another grow location allegedly connected to the two in Van Buren County.
