A West New York man has been convicted of growing marijuana in Newark and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

According to Essex County prosecutors, the 32-year-old suspect and another individual conspired to cultivate and then distribute marijuana. The suspects reportedly grew the marijuana inside a warehouse on Miller Street in Newark, NJ. The suspects also reportedly stored a large amount of pot at a multi-family home on Summer Avenue in Newark.

Newark law enforcement started the investigation after being tipped off to a possible drug manufacturing operation in the area.

The Newark Police Department and the NJ State Police Drug Trafficking North Unit executed a search warrant at the Miller Street warehouse in February 2012 and discovered more than 100 marijuana plants.

Police later executed a separate search warrant at the suspect’s home in West NY and reportedly found several pounds of marijuana. Law enforcement also seized more than $42,000 in cash.

The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with multiple drug crimes, including first degree operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility and second degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The suspect’s trial was held in Essex County Superior Court. On August 20, the jury found the suspect guilty of the drug charges in the case. Now the suspect has been sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Meanwhile, the other suspect already reached a plea agreement with Essex County prosecutors. He will return to Essex County Superior Court in November, at which time prosecutors are expected to recommend a sentence of 7 years in New Jersey State Prison.

To learn more about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “20-Year Sentence for NJ Man Convicted of Growing Marijuana.”