Sheriff: Man, 26, arrested for illegal marijuana grow in Pueblo West

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said they arrested a 26-year-old man Tuesday in connection to an illegal marijuana grow in Pueblo West.

Kevin Pedrez was arrested on suspicion of illegal cultivation of marijuana after deputies reported finding nearly 50 marijuana plants growing at his home at 536 Saunders Drive.

Deputies said they also found evidence Pedrez was selling the drug.

Officials were tipped off by someone who reported seeing large ventilation ports and extensive wiring added to the home, along with a strong odor of marijuana.

Pedrez told deputies he was growing the marijuana for his own medical purposes. However, he had an expired medical marijuana card.

Forty-three plants were found in the home's basement, and another four plants in the garage, deputies said.

"The garage was equipped with extensive lighting and ventilation system to sustain a much larger grow operation," said spokeswoman Gayle Perez.

Tuesday's bust marks the 18th in the Pueblo area. So far, there have been 26 arrests and nearly 5,200 marijuana plants confiscated since March 14.