A rural Carlinville man has been arrested following the seizure of cannabis plants from his property.

According to Illinois State Police, Thursday at 6:00am the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, Macoupin County Sheriff's Office and ISP District 18 served a search warrant in rural Macoupin County. The warrant was executed after an investigation by SCIDF.

Fifty-one year old Mark C. Burge, who lives on Standard City Road was arrested for an outstanding warrant and the production of cannabis. Seized during the warrant execution was an outdoor cannabis grow of 224 cultivated Cannabis plants.

More charges are pending according to State Police.

Authorities say outdoor Cannabis cultivation continues to be a problem in the area and anyone who comes across any outdoor or indoor cannabins/marijuana grows should contact the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force.