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Neighbors Alert Authorities About Illegal Grow House

PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4)- Neighbors alerted deputies with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office to an illegal grow operation inside a home after they smelled a "strong odor of skunk."

Authorities discovered a large illegal marijuana grow operation at a home on 28th Lane near S. Road in southeast Pueblo, with more than 140 plants growing inside the basement and garage.

Pueblo pot bust 1 (Pueblo Co Sheriff's Office)
(credit: Pueblo County)

Deputies also found several thousand dollars worth of growing equipment. They confiscated more than $500,000 of marijuana at the property.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Franco Munch reportedly told deputies the operation was a medical marijuana grow but authorities say it far exceeded the number of plants allowed.

Pueblo pot bust 4 (Pueblo Co Sheriff's Office)
(credit: Pueblo County)

Munch, 36, from Florida, is facing drug possession and illegal cultivation charges.

franco munch
Franco Munch (credit: Pueblo County)

Additional Information From Pueblo County Sheriff's Office:

If you have information about this case or about a suspected marijuana grow, call the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office at 719-583-6250 or Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-7867.

Pueblo pot bust 2 (Pueblo Co Sheriff's Office)
(credit: Pueblo County)
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