JONESVILLE — Lee County authorities are investigating the discovery of over 150 marijuana plants worth nearly $500,000 that were growing beside a road on the outskirts of Jonesville.
Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons said investigators found 164 plants on Paris Road in the Hines Hill section of the county between Jonesville and Pennington Gap.
Parsons said the plants were found after a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was informed of their whereabouts by an informant.
The plants, which were between 3 feet and 7 feet tall, carry an approximate street value of $492,000 based on valuations by the Virginia State Police.
Parsons said the VSP values a single marijuana plant at $3,000 when it has reached maturity.
Parsons said the sheriff’s office investigation of the marijuana grow is still being conducted.
Because of the ongoing investigation, additional information on the marijuana patch, or the possible identities of suspects involved, was not made available Wednesday.
Parsons said anyone with more information on the marijuana plants or other related activity can contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 346-7777.