Law enforcement officers discovered a marijuana-growing operation set up in a garage following the execution of a search warrant at 303 Kocimski Way in Ames.

The Central Iowa Drug Task Force, comprised of law enforcement agencies from Story and Boone counties, seized 28 marijuana plants, a quantity of processed marijuana, pot pipes, psilocybe mushrooms and a number of marijuana bongs, growing lights and drug-related paraphernalia during the bust in early July.

Four Iowa State students were arrested on drug-related charges. Matthew Todd, 20, of 303 Kocimski Way, was charged with prohibited acts, manufacture of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Peter Albrycht, 20, of 303 Kocimski Way, was charged with prohibited acts and possession of a controlled substance. James Huntoon, 21, of 303 Kocimski Way was charged with possession of a controlled substance and prohibited acts. Marshall Morrill, 19, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and prohibited acts.

John Tinker, program coordinator for the Department of Public Safety, said the marijuana-growing operation was a small one but it appeared to have been going on for some time, based on comments made by the suspects and the presence of empty carbon dioxide canisters and fertilizer used to stimulate plant growth.

The suspects could not be reached for comment.

Tinker said the FBI will probably not be brought in on this case. If the suspects are found guilty and have no prior offenses, they may receive suspended sentences, Tinker said.

“It depends on the jurisdiction its prosecuted in,” Tinker said. “If it was a federal violation, that would affect it too.”