North Laurel Man Pleads Guilty in Marijuana Growing Operation

A North Laurel man arrested in May after police allegedly discovered half a million dollars worth of marijuana plants growing in his basement has pleaded guilty to manufacturing controlled substances, ExploreHoward.com reports

Manoj Unni, 30, of the 9300 block of Cross Timbers Court entered his plea in October, according to the site. He faces sentencing in January.

On May 9, Howard County police acting on an anonymous tip searched Unni's home. Officials said they found “substantial marijuana grow operation in the basement, including sophisticated growing equipment."

Detectives reported seizing 341 plants capable of yielding $510,000 of marijuana, as well as high-intensity lights, a dehumidifier, air filters, water pumping systems, lighting timers, a CO2 system, and a ventilation system.

Unni worked as a civilian crime lab technician with Baltimore City Police until 2006.

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