Acting on information about unusual smells coming from a building in the 3000 block of “T” Ave. officers Thursday evening served a search warrant for an indoor marijuana growing operation. Inside the building they found over 200 marijuana plants. Approximately one quarter of the plants were mature. Additional harvested marijuana was found in glass containers. According to a statement released Friday afternoon, the estimated weight of the marijuana was 7 pounds and it is valued at $21,000.00.
A 53-year-old Anacortes man was arrested and charges are pending on two other Anacortes residents. The suspect reportedly told officers that he was growing marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, officers believe the size of the operation well exceeds what is allowed under Washington State's Medical Marijuana law. The investigation has been turned over to the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Unit.