Florida man arrested for growing nearly 1,000 marijuana plants in Colorado

Colorado authorities seized nearly 1,000 marijuana plants and nearly $1 million worth of dried weed in the arrest of a Florida man accused of running an illegal grow operation.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said its investigators took Lazaro Piloto-Gomez into custody last Wednesday after receiving a tip about possible illegal drug activity in a rural part of the state.

After the 57-year-old Florida resident admitted to having more than 12 marijuana plants on his property, detectives returned with a search warrant to search two detached outbuildings and a home, the sheriff’s office said.

Weed is legal in Colorado, but state law prohibits more than 12 marijuana plants per household.

According to the sheriff’s office, a large outhouse contained 939 cannabis plants and nearly 10 pounds of dried marijuana product valued at about $969,000, according to the sheriff’s office.

Another 20 plants were found in a smaller, detached garage, along with equipment and supplies normally used to pack and distribute weed, authorities said.

The house and outbuildings were both fined because the electrical system was changed, authorities said.

Piloto-Gomez is facing charges of growing marijuana with intent to distribute over 50 pounds. The investigation into the operation was ongoing.