Police uncover massive marijuana grow operation inside booby-trapped church
Of all the places you'd expect to find a marijuana farm, inside a church probably wasn't one of them.
Police in Stewart County, Tennessee, 'uncovered the largest marijuana grow in the county's history' on Thursday (30 November), where it's believed there were around 2,000 of the plants being grown.
They made their discovery in a former Methodist church, which is currently up for sale.
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Taking to Facebook to announce their historic find, Paulette Redman, the force's media relations coordinator, wrote: "A search warrant executed by the Sheriff's Office, TBI and the 23rd Judicial Task Force uncovered the largest marijuana grow in the county's history on Thursday, 30 November.
"Information from neighbors, traffic stops by deputies and other investigation during the past 3 weeks led to a search warrant to be obtained for 1758 Hwy.46 in Indian Mound.
"The location was a former church. When the search was conducted approximately 2000 plants were found in a very sophisticated growing environment. Including elaborated growing and watering systems all on timers.
"A large amount of possibly toxic chemicals were found. Officers were also slowed down in the search by the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement."
At the time of writing the post, it was confirmed that one person was in police custody, while others remained wanted for questioning.
The investigation is still ongoing.
The 'sophisticated growing environment' is reported to have been costing the growers a whopping $3,000 a month in energy bills.
Police are said to have launched a three-week-long investigation into the church after locals who lived nearby complained about a smell coming from the property - something that the drug is known for.
People have since taken to Facebook to applaud the Stewart County Sheriff's Office for its efforts.
"Our Law Enforcement Agency is always on top of things. Great job!" one person penned.
Another added: "Thank you for shutting this operation down. Your hard work is appreciated. Stay safe."
"Thankful for our sheriffs department and all involved. God bless all of you and keep you safe," a third went on.
While several states in the US have legalized weed in recent years, Tennessee has yet to do so.
Hemp, however, is legal in the state - as long as it has less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While hemp and marijuana are from the same family, the main factor that makes them different is their psychoactive component - THC.
Less than 0.3 percent THC is the amount believed to reap the benefits of hemp, without creating the 'high' that cannabis gives.
Niamh Shackleton