On Thursday, Freeborn County Sheriff Mark Harig received information that a large number of marijuana plants were growing in the back yard at 803 N. Bridge Ave.

A search warrant was obtained by a drug task force agent. About 1:15 p.m. that same day, drug task force agents, Freeborn County sheriff’s deputies and Albert Lea police officers executed the search warrant at the residence.

Law enforcement officers located 1,049 marijuana plants growing in the backyard of the house. The plants ranged from six inches up to about three feet tall. Some of these plants had some of the tops and leaves cut off, which the news release said is common for marijuana use or sale.

At the time of the execution of the search warrant, no one was at the residence. One of the occupants staying at the home arrived during the execution of the search warrant and stated that the homeowner was aware of the plants growing there and planned to have them destroyed but hadn’t done so yet.

The news release said the marijuana appeared to be of low quality.

It added that there will be further investigation prior to any charges stemming from the search warrant.