Pittsburgh police arrest man suspected of running marijuana growth lab

PITTSBURGH — A man suspected of operating a marijuana growth lab was arrested in Uptown Pittsburgh Friday evening, police said.

Jeremiah Smith was taken into custody after he was seen exiting a house on Watson Street with marijuana about 6 p.m., authorities said. At the time, officers were placing another man, Andre Butler, under arrest for having an open container of alcohol and smoking marijuana.

According to police, eight marijuana plants, a .32 caliber pistol, a sawed-off shotgun with 18 shells, money and three sets of grow lights were recovered from Smith's bedroom.

Smith is facing charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.

Butler was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and possessing an open container on a public sidewalk.

WPXI