MONROE - A large indoor marijuana growing operation was discovered and two people arrested for drug possession and intent to deliver following a search at about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday at their residence in Adams township, about 4 miles east of Argyle.
Blake L. Schneider, 56, who owns the residence at W8507 Meadow Brook Road in Adams township, and Jean C. Anderson, 60, were jailed pending court.
They were arrested for manufacturing marijuana and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.
Agents from the State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), along with the Green County Sheriff's Department Special Response Team, took part in the arrests and investigation.
Agents seized 206 growing marijuana plants and 8,359 grams of processed marijuana. The marijuana plants were grown in rooms in the house's basement, as well as an exterior steel building.
According to Green County Chief Deputy Jeff Skatrud, each marijuana plant produces an average of 1 pound of marijuana, valued at $1,000 a pound. The estimated value of the marijuana plants is $206,000. The estimated value of the processed marijuana is approximately $18,500.
Among other items seized by agents were high intensity grow lights; exhaust fans; scales; packing materials; seven guns, six long guns and one handgun; one truck; two sport utility vehicles; one tractor; three motorcycles; one all-terrain vehicle; and a generator.
The investigation was launched after authorities received a tip through Green County Crime Stoppers, officials said.
SLANT is comprised of officers and deputy sheriffs from the Green County Sheriff's Department, Monroe Police Department; and the Illinois State Police, Freeport Police Department, Stephenson County Sheriff's Department, Rockford Police Department and Loves Park Police Department from Illinois.
- Brian Gray
Blake L. Schneider, 56, who owns the residence at W8507 Meadow Brook Road in Adams township, and Jean C. Anderson, 60, were jailed pending court.
They were arrested for manufacturing marijuana and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.
Agents from the State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), along with the Green County Sheriff's Department Special Response Team, took part in the arrests and investigation.
Agents seized 206 growing marijuana plants and 8,359 grams of processed marijuana. The marijuana plants were grown in rooms in the house's basement, as well as an exterior steel building.
According to Green County Chief Deputy Jeff Skatrud, each marijuana plant produces an average of 1 pound of marijuana, valued at $1,000 a pound. The estimated value of the marijuana plants is $206,000. The estimated value of the processed marijuana is approximately $18,500.
Among other items seized by agents were high intensity grow lights; exhaust fans; scales; packing materials; seven guns, six long guns and one handgun; one truck; two sport utility vehicles; one tractor; three motorcycles; one all-terrain vehicle; and a generator.
The investigation was launched after authorities received a tip through Green County Crime Stoppers, officials said.
SLANT is comprised of officers and deputy sheriffs from the Green County Sheriff's Department, Monroe Police Department; and the Illinois State Police, Freeport Police Department, Stephenson County Sheriff's Department, Rockford Police Department and Loves Park Police Department from Illinois.
- Brian Gray