Hundreds of pot plants seized in raid

NEW BEDFORD (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - New Bedford police say they have busted what they called sophisticated marijuana growing operation inside a city apartment.

Police on Tuesday seized 284 marijuana plants and arrested 47-year-old Timothy Santos. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Santos was the target of a search warrant obtained by the Bristol district attorney's office drug unit following a two-week investigation that included surveillance of his home. Police also found hydroponic equipment used to grow plants in nutrient solutions without soil.

Santos is charged with manufacturing and cultivation of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and a drug violation in a school zone. It was not immediately clear if had a lawyer.