Investigators say a number of the illegal marijuana plants found at the home were growing outdoors and unsecured. Pictured: Marijuana plants grow in a Denver commercial cultivation facility. (Denver Post file)

Sheriff: 175 illegal marijuana plants seized in Colorado county

Authorities say they discovered 175 illegal marijuana plants being grown in eastern El Paso County.

County sheriff’s deputies and the El Paso County Sheriff’s SWAT Team found the plants on Wednesday while executing a search warrant at a home on South Blaney Road near Schriever Air Force Base.

During the search of the property, detectives contacted three peopleĀ associated with the house, the county sheriff’s office said in a Thursday news release. Along with the marijuana, officials say detectives also seized 12 firearms and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Investigators say a number of the illegal marijuana plants found at the home were growing outdoors and unsecured.

AnĀ investigation into the operation is open and ongoing with criminal charges pending, according to El Paso County investigators.

This story was first published on DenverPost.com