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ESTANCIA (AP) — Authorities say a man wanted in the case of a huge marijuana plantation that a couple of hunters stumbled upon in Manzano Mountains is now in custody.
KRQE-TV reports (http://bit.ly/Ryk6PI) that the Torrance County Sheriff’s Department says U.S. marshals recently arrested Joseph Hazle in Texas. He will soon be extradited back to New Mexico to face charges for the illegal plants on his property.
In September, two hunters told deputies that they stumbled upon the plantation and four men started shooting at them.
Torrance County Sheriff Heath White says the plantation was powered by an elaborate set-up of generators and pumps.
Authorities say Hazle is one of four men wanted in the case that may have Mexican drug cartel connections.
It was unclear if Hazle had an attorney.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
