Holy smoke!
Tennessee officials uncovered a massive marijuana grow operation Thursday — inside a booby-trapped church.
Roughly 2,000 cannabis plants in uniform rows were discovered throughout the former house of worship, making it the biggest bust in Stewart County history, according to the sheriff’s department.
The former Methodist Church was rigged with “a very sophisticated growing environment” that included growing and watering systems that were set on timers.
The elaborate setup cost weed farmers more than $3,000 per month for electricity alone, officials told WSMV.
It was also designed to keep out intruders — and police.
“Officers were also slowed down in the search by the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement,” the department said.
Deputies from the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee stand in front of the former church found to be growing 2000 plants of marijuana both inside and outside of the building. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/Facebook
The church, located 70 miles northwest of Nashville, is up for sale as a converted four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, according to a listing. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/Facebook
The former Methodist Church was rigged with “a very sophisticated growing environment” that included growing and watering systems that were set on timers. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/FacebookA large amount of possibly toxic chemicals were found, investigators said.
Officials descended on the former church after a three-week investigation that was launched when neighbors of the church complained of a skunk-like stench.
One person was taken into custody, but more arrests are expected to be made.
Tennessee is one of 11 states yet to legalize the drug.
The elaborate setup cost weed farmers more than $3,000 per month for electricity alone. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/Facebook
Officials descended on the former church after a three-week investigation that was launched when neighbors of the church complained of a skunk-like stench. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/Facebook
Stewart deputies burned the mind-altering plants outside the church. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/Facebook
A large amount of possibly toxic chemicals were found along with the plants. Stewart County Sheriffs Office/FacebookStewart deputies burned the mind-altering plants outside the church.
The church, located 70 miles northwest of Nashville, is up for sale as a converted four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, according to a listing.
“I am looking for a quick sale,” the lister wrote.
