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DA: More than 800 marijuana plants seized in Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — More than 800 marijuana plants were seized in Washington County, District Attorney Eugene Vittone announced Friday.

The Washington County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police Troop B Vice Unit in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit, Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Civil Air Patrol had been conducting a week-long marijuana eradication operation in the county.

Utilizing specialized equipment, law enforcement officers were able to identify large marijuana grow operations from the air. Once identified, police on the ground were able to move in and seize the plants, Vittone said.

The plants were destroyed by police.

Many of the plants were along pipeline right-of-ways and forest glades, where sufficient light penetrated to permit plants to grow. Some of the areas where plants were taken included Carroll Township, South Strabane Township and the City of Washington.

"I appreciate the efforts of the law enforcement officers involved in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of marijuana plants. Under Current Pennsylvania law, growing marijuana plants is a felony. It is also part of the illegal drug trade with all of its associated violence. We will continue our enforcement of the drug laws in Washington County," Vittone said.