ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina authorities have seized $5 million worth of marijuana plants that were growing in fields in a northern county.

The Herald of Rock Hill reported Wednesday that more than 2,500 plants, found in Chester County, have been confiscated and destroyed. No one has been arrested for growing the drug.

The bust was part of an eradication effort in York, Chester, Lancaster and Fairfield counties. State Law Enforcement Division Narcotics Lt. Max Dorsey says marijuana growing operations have been increasing in the area for several years.

Last month, authorities seized 11,000 marijuana plants in Chester County worth $22 million.

Elsewhere Tuesday, officers seized 128 marijuana plants from a field in Hampton County. Sheriff's spokeswoman Shellie Murdaugh says they were worth $256,000.

Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com

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