BUTLER TOWNSHIP -- The suspect in a pot-growing operation that was busted in Luzerne County is on his way back from Florida where police say he fled.
Some of the plants that were found in the home in Butler Township were eight feet tall. The person who owns the home is now facing charges.
Police were doing a routine parole check when they said they found more than 160 marijuana plants, plus lamps and generators. The items were confiscated last month.
Daniel Lopez, 36, is now facing charges.
U.S. Marshals found Lopez in Florida. He is now on his way back to Pennsylvania to face charges, including manufacturing a controlled substance.
"The house was basically a grow operation, greenhouse for the entire residence," said Butler Township Police Chief Brian Sabatini.
Police say when they got inside the house in Beech Mountain Lakes near Drums, a private community, the only thing inside was marijuana and the stuff it takes to grow it. They say it's one of the largest growing operations they've ever seen.
"A little over 160 plants, six feet to eight feet tall."
Police say besides growing the drugs, Lopez was also stealing power. An investigation by PPL Utilities shows Lopez was illegally using more than $37,000 of electricity in the home.
People who live nearby say when it comes to drugs in the area, they aren't surprised.
"With Interstate 80 and 81 here, it's a prime place to do drug trafficking," said Butler Township resident James Walt.
"I know there's a lot of drug areas in this area and then people live out of the area and just buy the houses to have grow rooms and stuff," said Rob Stark of Conyngham.
Butler Township police say this is only the beginning of the drug investigations in the Luzerne County community.
"People think they're going to get away with being caught by law enforcement. However, we follow up on all our tips, leads, and concerns from our citizens," Chief Sabatini said.
Butler Township police say Daniel Lopez should be back in Luzerne County in the next day or two.
Police also tell Newswatch 16 that Lopez is just one of many who could face charges as the investigation continues.