Cops uncover marijuana-growing operation at home

    Authorities allegedly found an “elaborate” marijuana-growing operation at a southern New Jersey home after they went there as part of a credit-card fraud investigation.

    The Press of Atlantic City reports police found 87 marijuana plants in the Hamilton Township home on Friday. They also seized stolen merchandise valued $15,000, items believed to be the proceeds from a fraudulent credit card operation.

    Twenty-six-year-old Luis Alba was charged with cultivation of marijuana, as well as possessing and distributing the drug. His 23-year-old girlfriend, Miluska Jimenez-Espinoza, was charged with credit card fraud.

    Authorities also removed a 3-year-old from the home and placed the child with a family member.

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    Alba’s bail was set at $100,000 cash, while Jimenez-Espinoza was released on a summons.

    Telephone numbers for both suspects could not be found Sunday.

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