Franklin Co. investigation uncovers underground pot growing operation

FRANKLIN COUNTY (WSLS 10) -  An investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, along with other agencies, resulted in uncovering a 'sophisticated' underground marijuana growing operation.

Investigators had to go down a 10-foot ladder, then crawl through a 10-foot-long tunnel to reach a 40-foot by 8-foot storage container that had been buried, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Inside the container were marijuana plants and other items that could be used to manufacture marijuana.

The release also stated that investigators found multiple firearms that the sheriff's office seized.

Other items seized include a vehicle, two four-wheelers and a Trackhoe.

The Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control seized items consistent with manufacturing untaxed whiskey.

Virginia State Police, Alcohol Beverage Control and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Investigators assisted in the investigation.