LANIER COUNTY, Ga. - A search by the Lanier County Sheriff's Office leads to three people being arrested and discovery of several marijuana plants.

On Thursday Sept 1, Lanier County Sheriff’s Office Drug Agent Alan Mann, with assistance from South Georgia Drug Task Force, Georgia State Patrol Air Unit and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, searched a farm and residence located on Highway 135 North in Lanier County. Located inside the residence was marijuana growing in a “grow room” and a quantity marijuana and cutting agents, fertilizers, pots, hydroponic grow system and other related objects. Marijuana was also found growing in planted pine trees and near a large pond on the property.

Three people were arrested and later released on bond the following day.

Ben Howell, Michael Bernard Flagg, and Maura Elizabeth Pittman were all arrested on manufacturing marijuana charges. Howell and Pittman were also arrested on charged for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The Lanier County Sherriff's office cannot release all of the details of the bust at this time; we will have more information as it is released. Additional information will be released when available and as the investigation continues.