Scott City police bust marijuana-growing operation

A Scott City man has been arrested after police found him allegedly growing marijuana in a sophisticated hydroponic system using exotic cultivation methods.

Frank C. Handley, 58, of 711 Walnut St., was arrested on suspicion of felony manufacturing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott City police chief Don Cobb said Handley's growing operation was complicated.

"He had only a few plants, but we got a substantial amount of the finished product," Cobb said. "This guy has been growing dope for a while."

Cobb said that Scott City police had been watching Handley's operation along with several others since this past summer. He said his department has served seven or eight search warrants which resulted in some felony and misdemeanor charges, but he considers Handley's case to be the most significant.

Handley was released on $100,000 bond.