Over 400 marijuana plants were destroyed last week following an investigation into an illegal growing operation.

Officers with the Nowata County Sheriff's Office were called to the southeast corner of the county August 6th following reports of an illegal commerical marijuana grow. The operation did not have the necessary permits needed to grow medical marijuana. Five were arrested, including 51-year-old Va Vue of Owasso, 56-year-old Pao Vue of Claremore, 55-year old Wa Vang of Michigan, 51-year old See Vue of Michigan, and 44-year-old Kha Vang of Michigan. They were later released on bond.

With assistance from the Nowata County Emergency Response Team, 456 marijuana plants were destroyed. Two firearms were also seized and held for evidence.