Pueblo deputies arrest man for illegal marijuana grow in rural Avondale

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office arrested one man Friday after receiving a tip that he was growing more marijuana plants than legally allowed.

Narcotics detectives say they found 36 marijuana plants growing in a home on the 3200 block of 40th Lane. State law only allows up to 12 marijuana plants per household.

55-year-old John Mata was identified as the homeowner and consented to let the detectives search his property. Officials say the grow was valued at approximately $36,000. Deputies also say they found several guns on the property.

Mata was arrested for cultivation of marijuana (30 plants or more), possession with intent to manufacture or distribute marijuana (50 pounds) and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. He has been booked into the Pueblo County Jail.