Fla. man calls detectives after pot plants seized

[February 04, 2010]  MARATHON, Fla. (AP) -- Investigators in the Florida Keys say they lured a suspected marijuana grower into turning himself in by leaving a ransom note in place of six seized pot plants. The sheriff's office in Monroe County says detectives discovered the plants in a wooded lot and confiscated them.

They left a phone number on a note that read: "Thanks for the grow! You want them back? Call for the price."

Steven Alan Locasio called the number about 10 minutes later. Locasio offered $200 for the plants, and detectives agreed to meet him for an exchange.

Locasio was arrested and booked into jail on drug charges. He was expected to appear in court Tuesday. It's unclear if he already has an attorney.

A telephone message left for Locasio was not immediately returned.

[Associated Press]

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