CHINA, Maine — Three people were arrested over the weekend in connection with illegal marijuana growing operation in China, Maine.
Kennebec County sheriff's deputies received a tip Saturday about a person reportedly being held against their will at a home on Route 3 in the town of China.
Deputies responded to 1144 Route 3 where they made contact with three individuals who were not in distress or being held against their will, a news release from the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.
"Deputy Boudreau received permission to check the area on the first level, which is below the living quarters," the release stated. "The lower area was confirmed to be an unlicensed commercial marijuana grow operation with five rooms, of which 3 were divided laterally making an upper and lower room."
According to the release, the three individuals were arrested for Class B unlawful trafficking in Schedule Z drugs.
Deputies said 970 mature plants and several seedlings were seized from the home.
The Office of the Maine Attorney General and the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy assisted in this incident.
The three individuals arrested were identified as 36-year-old Changgeng Chen, 41-year-old Bing Xu, and 43-year-old Aiqin Chen.