Louisville man charged with running indoor marijuana grow operation
From Staff ReportsOriginally published: November 17. 2009 5:18PM
Last modified: November 17. 2009 6:17PM
A 38-year-old Louisville man was arrested late Monday after investigators found 21 marijuana plants in his home, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said today.
Michael Eugene Smith, Lodwick Road, Maryville, was released today on $26,000 bond from the Blount County Detention Facility.
Investigators with the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force, along with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, seized the plants from Smith's home after a detailed search of the residence revealed a “hydroponic” indoor grow operation.
He was charged Monday with manufacturing a Schedule VI controlled substance — marijuana — and possession of drug paraphernalia. Smith will face his charges in Blount County General Sessions Court at 9 a.m. Nov. 25.
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