Troopers bust large marijuana grow in pair of Willow trailers

WILLOW — Troopers removed more than 600 marijuana plants from two trailers along Remote Lane about 3 p.m., Friday, authorities said.

Investigators with the Mat-Su Drug Unit had received several tips that Christopher May, 41, of Houston, had a large growing operation on property at that location, according to a criminal affidavit written by Trooper Nasruk Nay. They obtained a search warrant and upon executing it found May installing insulation panels on the space under one of the trailers, the affidavit reads in part.

They also found 616 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, and sophisticated lighting, fans, and air filtration systems in the trailer. The plants were weighed at 24.9 pounds, which, using a formula provided by state law, calculates out to an estimated processed weight of 4.15 pounds.

Troopers also seized about 12 ounces of processed marijuana, according to the affidavit, as well as 20 ballasts — a type of converter used to convert electricity for lights like the ones used in growing marijuana, according to several garden websites — two digital scales and $3,980 cash, according to the affidavit.

May told police his electric bills were more than $800 a month, according to the affidavit.

Troopers arrested May on three charges of fourth-degree drug misconduct and transported him to Mat-Su Pretrial facility, where he was held on $30,000 bond and court-approved third party custodial requirements, according to state trooper media reports.

May had posted bond by Monday afternoon, according to state Department of Corrections officials.