CHICAGO (CBS) — Exposure of a $7 million marijuana-growing operation downstate has led to drug charges against two Chicago men.

Nearly 1,500 marijuana plants were found in several plots in a rural, wooded area in Pembroke Township, about 15 miles east of Kankakee. All of those plants were destroyed.

Gerardo Correa, 29, of 9617 S. Muskegon and Jose Haro-Gutierrez, 29, of 10520 Torrence Ave. face federal charges of marijuana possession and production. Additional charges are being considered.

Police also found 25-pounds of packaged marijuana at Correa’s residence along with ammunition and $18,520 in cash.

A federal judge ordered that both offenders be detained by the United States Marshal Service pending an indictment and trial. The drugs seized were given an estimated street value of over $7 million.

Authorities said the growing operation had been active for at least a year in the secluded, wooded location.

Gerardo Correa (Source: KAMEG)

Jose Haro Gutierrez (Credit: KAMEG)