Deputies say a man had a marijuana grow operation at his reptile business, and was using UV lights to grow his profits.
Onslow County deputies began the investigation after they got a tip of a possible grow operation at Robert MacCargar's home or business. The man lives in Onslow County, but his business is in nearby Carteret County.
The grow operation was found at the man's business, Reptile UV Labs on Highway 24 in Cedar Point. Inside detectives found 16 pot plants, ranging from 2-1/2 to 4 feet tall. They say the hydroponic system was capable of yielding approximately 16 pounds of pot.
Deputies say MacCargar sold equipment for reptiles at the business, including ultraviolet lights that are supposed to keep them warm. But they say he was using the UV lights to help his pot growing operation instead.
He's been charged with felony manufacturing marijuana, and felony maintaining a dwelling and possession of drug paraphernalia.
