Hydroponic marijuana operation shut down

The Watauga County Sheriff's Office Narcotics and Special Operations Unit have arrested Michael James McNamara, 36, following an investigation into the manufacturing of marijuana.

Officers executed a search warrant on McNamara's home at 163 Possum Hollow Terrace on Feb. 27. An indoor hydroponic growing system was discovered with a large number of marijuana plants in various stages of maturity. According to a statement from WCSO, the operation yielded a total of approximately five pounds of processed marijuana, with an estimated street value of $32,000.

McNamara has been charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to sell and/or deliver marijuana, felony maintaining a dwelling for purposes relating to a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear in district court on March 27 in lieu of a $10,000 secured bond. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.