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LARGE POT GROW DEEMED LEGAL

A large marijuana crop found growing behind a home just north of Hanford was found to be in compliance with the law after a morning search Wednesday, authorities said.

The Kings County Narcotics Task Force served a search warrant at the home after neighbors reported seeing the 4-foot-tall plants growing under some large tarps.

The task force found 99 plants being grown using a sophisticated watering system, complete with fertilization instructions and a drying room to process the narcotics.

But Assistant Kings County Sheriff Dave Putnam said the three Laotian residents who live there had valid medical marijuana cards and are legally allowed to grow the plants.

"We're still investigating to see if the marijuana is being sold for profit," Putnam said.  "The case is still ongoing at this time."

Agents with the U.S.  Office of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement were called in to assist with the case.  They later confirmed the three residents were in the country legally, officials said.

The Kings County Planning Department and Code Enforcement were also called in to examine some modifications made to the electrical wiring outside the building.  Several code-compliance violations were noted and the residents will likely be cited.