28 marijuana plants found growing in wooded area of UNCA's Millennial Campus, police say – wlos.com
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by Elijah Skipper
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — UNC Asheville (UNCA) police say they discovered 28 marijuana plants growing in a wooded area of the university’s Millennial Campus, following a tip from grounds crews clearing the site late last week.
According to UNCA police, officers searched the area over the weekend and found the plants in an undeveloped section off WT Weaver Boulevard. The marijuana plants were in varying stages of growth; some mature, others newly planted. In total, police estimate the grow operation could have yielded between 3 to 5 pounds of marijuana.
“They were actively growing in the area,” said UNCA Police Chief Daran Dodd. “Our officers pulled the plants, took custody, and we’re conducting further investigation now.”
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No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The discovery happened near Hanger Hall, a private all-girls middle school, but police say there is no evidence connecting the school to the grow site. The location even surprised investigators.
“We were shocked by that ourselves that it was so close to an open area like this,” Dodd said. “But with thick woods around, it was almost impossible to see from the road.”
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Dodd said that underdeveloped parts of campus like this one can be difficult to monitor.
“We’ve had individuals camping out there before, and other illicit activity,” Dodd said. “We do patrol those areas, but it’s tough when they’re hard to access.”
A university spokesperson said the plants have been removed and the area is now secure.
This remains a developing story.
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