16 charged in large-scale marijuana grow bust

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators say they have charged 16 people in a large-scale marijuana grow operation in Gwinnett County.

Police raided 18 homes on Wednesday and say they found at least 2,500 plants, a handful of guns, more than $300,000 in cash and gold bars.

New body camera video shows the moments the Snellville tactical team entered one of the homes

Channel 2's Tony Thomas was in court Thursday as 11 suspects were charged with possession or distribution of marijuana. The suspects spoke to the judge through an interpreter.

Thi Thanh Truc Dao told the judge she needed to go home because she has three children.

"This is the first time I'll be away from (them)," she said through the interpreter.

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Doa is the only one of 16 defendants who admitted to committing a felony. Another defendant denied any involvement in the ring.

Several federal agencies were involved in the bust. Authorities say they believe dismantled the operation, although they expect more arrests. They are unsure if they got the ringleader of the operation.

Cox Media Group