Police seize $7.8 million in marijuana

MIAMI, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Officials seized $7.8 million in marijuana and arrested a Miami man who is suspected of running a large pot-growing operation in houses across the U.S.

Miguel Fernandez, 45, was being held in Palm Beach County Jail after police learned he allegedly sold marijuana grown in homes across the country, the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post reported Thursday.

A defendant connected to one drug bust reportedly told authorities that Fernandez sold marijuana harvested from homes in Loxahatchee and Palm Beach.

Fernandez allegedly offered $10,000 to individuals who would allow him to use their credit to purchase homes, and is suspected of having connections to title companies and mortgage brokers.

Police believe Fernandez and his brother, Luis Fernandez Sr., constructed rooms inside homes for growing drugs and taught paid workers how to manage the crops, the report said.

Authorities reportedly began investigating the case in 2006 after someone reported a man carrying a wheelbarrow of soil into a house.