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3 Arrested In Greene Co. Marijuana Growing Operation Bust

MORGAN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -Acting on a tip, State Police seized 92 marijuana plants worth an estimated $200,000 in Greene County Friday night.

According to police, the operation was found on a 132-acre farm in the 100-block of Pyle Road in Morgan Township Friday night.

The farm was owned by Athanase Petropoulos

"I talked to him on the phone. He seemed like a nice guy all about his business. I guess he had another business," Jeff Battista said.

Police said they found Petropoulos and two other men with the plants inside a chicken coop on his farm.

The plants ranged from two to six-feet tall and were grown in a sophisticated indoor growing and processing area.

They also seized two handguns two vehicles and an ATV.

John Thistlethwait's relatives used to own the farm.

"I was surprised. I didn't expect him of all people. He seemed like such a nice guy. I didn't really expect that, but i was surprised," John Thistlethwait said.

Petropoulos and two other men, Christopher McGee and Michael Bish of Pittsburgh, were arrested.

They're charged with manufacture of a controlled substance along with possession with intent to deliver a substance and criminal conspiracy.

"On the one hand, that surprises me, but on the other hand, I've heard of crazier stories of people growing pot plants that I never thought would grow them," Tim Hamilton said.

All three men have a preliminary hearing scheduled in Greene County on Tuesday,

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