Idaho Authorities Find $100 Million Worth of Pot

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Authorities say they have destroyed more than 40,000 marijuana plants growing on public land in Boise County and arrested five people believe to be connected to the operation.

The Boise County Sheriff Department described the illegal growing bust as the biggest ever in the county. Authorities estimated the street value at $100 million. Officials say the plants were discovered in two areas — one near Rabbit Creek and other east of Lowman.

Along with the plants, authorities confiscated irrigation systems, camping gear, food and weapons from the sites. In addition, authorities say four Mexican nationals and one Caldwell resident have been arrested and are facing federal drug charges. A search of a home in Caldwell netted nearly $69,000 in cash, seven vehicles and 348 pounds of marijuana.