[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmJvZ1nOZLM]

An anonymous tip led local authorities to what is being called possibly the largest marijuana grow operation ever seen in Kosciusko County.

This morning, members of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force went to 7895 W. CR 600 S., Claypool, to a small, rural farm located southwest of Burket, where more than 600 marijuana plants were located. The resident, Christopher Paul Cords, 48, gave officers consent to search his barns and outbuildings where the plants were found.

Deputies located what the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is calling an elaborate indoor marijuana grow operation that involved several rooms inside the main barn. Officers of the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Section were called to the scene to assist in dismantling the extensive amount of marijuana growing equipment that included fans, heating elements, grow lighting and a sophisticated irrigation system.

“The grow operation located this morning by Kosciusko County Drug Task Force deputies appears to be the largest in Kosciusko County history,” according to Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Captain Aaron Rovenstine. “Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies and troopers have estimated that the total street value seized today would well surpass $200,000. Approximately 646 plants were seized into evidence.”

DTF officers were also assisted by the Kosciusko County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.

Cords is currently being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on a $5,000 bond for preliminary charges of felony dealing in marijuana with intent to deal and felony possession of marijuana, growing, cultivating over 30 grams.