Marijuana grower arrested in West End

On the afternoon of May 26, the Cook County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant on the Caribou Trail in Lutsen on a tip marijuana was being grown at a residence.

Lester Morrison, 57, was subsequently arrested and charged with a felony controlled substance crime in the fifth degree. A second charge is pending.

The search found Morrison had 62 plants growing in his home and greenhouse. He also had grow lights, timers, fans, ventilating systems and other equipment associated with marijuana production.

According to the complaint filed with the Cook County Attorney, Morrison maintained he was growing for his personal use to help relieve pain from a shoulder injury. He said he had been growing for about a year and had never sold the substance.

The maximum sentence is five years and/or $20,000 for a first violation.