7 arrested in Salem-area illicit marijuana growing operation

KEIZER, Ore. (AP) — Police in Oregon said Saturday they have arrested seven people in what they call an extensive illegal marijuana growing operation.

The operation was growing cannabis plants in six houses in residential areas of Salem and Keizer and children were living in two of the homes, the Keizer Police Department said.

Authorities seized 273 1-pound packages of marijuana, with a street value of about $278,000, and 4,085 plants.

The plants, once matured, could have yielded marijuana worth at least $8 million.

All of those arrested were charged with unlawful manufacture of marijuana, unlawful possession of marijuana and attempted delivery of marijuana.

They have an initial court appearance March 3.

The arrests stemmed from an investigation that began in October when police were tipped off to possible illegal activity at one of the homes. An investigation found that marijuana was being grown there and at the five other homes, police alleged.

Police seized and destroyed a total of 2,100 pounds of processed marijuana and plant material from the homes.