More than 100 marijuana plants like these were seized in a raid on a hydroponic marijuana growing operation in the Irving Park neighborhood on Oct. 17, 2012. (Credit: Chicago Police)
UPDATED: 10/18/2012 5:30 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) – Police have busted a sophisticated indoor pot-growing operation at a home in the Irving Park neighborhood.
A police gang unit recovered more than 100 marijuana plants, more than $30,000 in cash, and two illegal guns while executing a search warrant in the 3900 block of North Elston Avenue on Wednesday, police said.
Paul Sherman, 50, of the 3900 block of N. Elston was charged with one count of felony manufacturing of marijuana, along with weapons violations.
The seized plants were estimated to weigh over 5,000 pounds combined, and have a street value of about $500,000, police said.
Police seized more than $500,000 worth of marijuana plants in a raid on Oct. 17, 2012, in the Irving Park neighborhood. (Credit: Chicago Police)
Around 9 p.m., police were seen loading the large marijuana plants seized from the home onto a truck, to be hauled away.
The plants were being grown inside the building, as part of an exotic hydroponic marijuana operation, according to police.
Police officers found two illegal firearms and $30,000 in cash in a safe during a drug bust in the Irving Park neighborhood on Oct. 17, 2012. (Credit: Chicago Police)
