A Laurel man and former employee of the Baltimore City Police Department has been arrested and charged with growing a large quantity of marijuana in his home.

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Manoj Unni, 30, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, possession of equipment to produce marijuana and drug manufacturing.

A Howard County Police spokesperson says that Unni formerly served as a civilian crime lab technician with Baltimore police.

Police found a substantial marijuana grow operation in the basement, including sophisticated growing equipment.

Detectives found 341 plants at around 170 pounds, worth $510,000. They also found high-intensity lights, a dehumidifier, air filters, water pumping systems, lighting timers, a CO2 system and a ventilation system.

Unni was released on $25,000 bond.