Prosecutors File More Charges in Mine Pot Bust

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Steve Brawn

Story Created: Jun 26, 2009 at 10:01 AM AKST

Story Updated: Jun 26, 2009 at 10:01 AM AKST

State prosecutors say an elaborate
marijuana growing operation at a gold mine near Manley may have
been around for more than 20 years.

Investigators this week seized 636 mature marijuana plants and
50 pounds of processed marijuana at the site off the Elliott
Highway.

Prosecutors filed additional charges Thursday against the
suspected operator, 49-year-old John T. Larson of Fairbanks.

Prosecutors say the operation was worth $2 million per year.

Prosecutors say Larson went to elaborate lengths to hide the
marijuana grow, with hidden rooms and a filtering system that
removed the odor of marijuana but kept the heat of the grow lights
from melting snow outside.

Prosecutors say a tip led them to begin an investigation.

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