A massive marijuana grow operation was uncovered inside a 'booby-trapped' church in Tennessee after weeks of investigation.
The Stewart County Sheriff's Office revealed that the approximately 2000 plants in the former church in Indian Mound constitute the largest marijuana grow operation in the country's history.
Authorities described the plants as being cultivated in a 'very sophisticated growing environment, including elaborate growing and watering systems, all on timers.'
The investigation was slowed down due to 'the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement,' as officers said in a statement.
As a result of the discovery, one unnamed person has been taken into custody, and authorities are currently questioning and arresting others.
A massive marijuana grow operation was uncovered inside a 'booby-trapped' church in Tennessee after weeks of investigation
The Stewart County Sheriff's Office revealed that the approximately 2000 plants in the former church in Indian Mound constitute the largest marijuana grow operation in the country's history
The investigation was slowed down due to 'the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement,' as officers said in a statement
Authorities described the plants as being cultivated in a 'very sophisticated growing environment, including elaborate growing and watering systems, all on timers'
Police launched the investigation three weeks ago after neighbors of the former church complained about a smell from the church, WSMV reported.
After interviewing people who were seen going in and out of the church, the sheriff's office and a drug task force executed a search warrant Thursday.
Authorities also looked into the property’s electric bill, which came out to about $3,000 a month along with a high water bill.
The investigation took longer than expected due to the possibility of booby traps being laid out, but authorities did not specify what the booby traps were.
In shocking photos released by authorities, massive marijuana plants can be seen thriving under growing lights and watering systems.
The images also reveal baby-sized cannabis plants carefully nurtured in high-humidity environments within transparent boxes.
The plants were burned outdoors by law enforcement authorities, as depicted in one of the photos.
In shocking photos released by authorities, massive marijuana plants can be seen thriving under growing lights and watering systems
The investigation took longer than expected due to the possibility of booby traps being laid out, but authorities did not specify what the booby traps were
The images also reveal baby-sized cannabis plants carefully nurtured in high-humidity environments within transparent boxes
The investigation and clean up are still on going, as Sheriff Frankie Gray said it's not a fly-by-night operation.
The property at 1758 Highway 46 in Indian Mound is a residential building transformed from a church, according to records.
The two-story place has four bedrooms and three baths connect by a breezeway, accompanied by a huge kitchen area, Zillow's property information shows.
It was sold in 2021 at $76,000 and the property owner is Xiuping Zeng, according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
The one section has two stories and there are 3 bedrooms and a full bath, the other side has a bedroom and 2 baths, huge kitchen area.
The investigation and clean up are still on going, as Sheriff Frankie Gray said it's not a fly-by-night operation
The property at 1758 Highway 46 in Indian Mound is a residential building transformed from a church, according to records
Like a typical church, the property can be seen painted white, with a wooden cross hanging up high.
The writing on the outside of the former church consists of Korean characters that translate to 'Jesus-centered prayer place'.
Officers said a large amount of possibly toxic chemicals were found during the investigation.
'Officers were also slowed down in the search by the possibility of booby traps laid out for law enforcement.
'One person is in custody and others are wanted in questioning,' the sheriff's office wrote in a statement. 'Sheriff's Office continues to clean up our county.'
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