Officials seize nearly 500 pot plants near Oshkosh

Authorities said it was a confidential informant that helped deputies make a large-scale marijuana bust in Winnebago County.

Sheriff’s officials seized nearly 500 plants and more than 40 pounds of marijuana worth as much as $1.5 million this week from a house in the town of Vinland. The 64-year-old homeowner with no prior criminal record has been charged with distributing marijuana.

Sheriff’s Capt. Dave Mack said he’s never seen a seizure of this size in his 20 years in law enforcement. Mack said the investigation started when the North Central Drug Enforcement Group in Oneida County received a tip.

WLUK-TV reported that the tipster told authorities he or she had purchased marijuana at the man’s home.