The Suwannee County Drug Task Force seized more than 50 marijuana plants when it shut down a local grow house, according to sheriff’s reports.

Arrested was Orlando Foja Rios, of 13637 185th Road, Live Oak.

Fifty-two pot plants were confiscated as part of a drug search warrant at the 185th Road residence on Jan. 12 around 4:30 p.m., according to a report by DTF Deputy Robert Sammons.

A “black plastic bag containing marijuana plant material” was also reportedly taken into evidence. Sammons reported that the grow house utilized 24, 1,000-watt grow lights, liquid fertilizer, two air conditioning units, grow buckets, 24 ballasts and a large number of fans.

“A total approximate weight of the marijuana seized was obtained using a LED scale which revealed a weight of 15 pounds,” reported Sammons.

The DTF investigation also revealed that the seal to the electric meter supplying electricity to the residence was broken. Rios had allegedly tapped into the electric wires above the meter to steal electricity to operate the grow farm. Sammons said the operation was in place for about four months.

“Calculations from Suwannee Valley Electric revealed approximately 39,744 kilowatts, or $4,759.28 worth of electricity was stolen over the last four months,” to operate the farm, reported Sammons.

Rios was arrested and charged with possession/grow house with more than 25 plants, manufacture of cannabis, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis, trespass/grand larceny of utilities and possession of drug paraphernalia.