Illegal pot operation found after break-in at bookstore

SEATTLE – A break-in at a children’s bookstore led Seattle police to an illegal marijuana growing operation in a commercial space next door.

Investigators believe someone broke into the book shop and smashed through a store wall to get to the marijuana garden. Police responded to a burglary report in the Ballard neighborhood around 3:30 a.m. and found 531 marijuana plants.

Police say one or two marijuana plants were stolen, but no books were reported missing. Authorities don’t think the book store is involved in the marijuana operation.