British Inmate Grew Marijuana in His Cell Disguised as Tomato Plants

A British prisoner managed to grow marijuana in his cell for five months by convincing the guards that the plants were tomato seedlings, according to the tabloid The Sun.

The 28-year-old inmate, Mohammed Jalloh, even received permission from prison staff—who supported his interest in gardening—to decorate one of the plants for Christmas. The plant reportedly reached a height of 1.2 meters (about 4 feet).

Jalloh’s secret was exposed by a fellow inmate, who informed the guards that the supposed tomato plants were actually a potent strain of marijuana. The publication suggests that jealousy may have motivated the informant.

Prison staff compared the appearance of the plants to images of marijuana found online and realized the tip-off was accurate.

According to the report, Jalloh was serving an eight-year sentence for dealing hard drugs. A new investigation has been launched regarding his activities in prison.