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Fairfield deputies burn hundreds of pot plants
Posted: 07.18.2012 at 10:10 AM
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Officers have burned hundreds of marijuana plants they found near Interstate 77 in the northeastern Fairfield County.  / FILE
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WINNSBORO, S.C. (AP) -- Officers have burned hundreds of marijuana plants they found near Interstate 77 in the northeastern Fairfield County.

Agents from several sheriff's departments and state and federal agencies burned the plants, some of which were 12 feet tall.

The marijuana had a value of more than $4 million.

Investigators think the operation was run by several people camping at the site who fled as police approached. No arrests have been made.

The farm was spotted after officers got a tip and a State Law Enforcement Division helicopter flew over the site.

Fairfield County Chief Deputy Keith Lewis says often the land owners have no idea the marijuana is being grown. He says sometimes it is being grown in national parks or on the property of paper companies.

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