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One of the largest marijuana growing operations ever discovered in Dane County was seized Wednesday by drug enforcement agents executing search warrants at four properties in Madison and Sun Prairie, authorities said.

The agents seized 1,124 plants worth more than $1 million, with hundreds of plants found at each location, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.

Donald Alston, 44, of Madison, was arrested and tentatively charged with maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and four counts of manufacturing marijuana, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Alston was the “primary actor” in the sophisticated grow operation, Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said, although authorities are also investigating at least two more people who may have been involved and could be arrested.

The plants were found in Madison at 1838 Boyd Ave., 4201 Sycamore Ave., and 4810 Retana Drive, and in the town of Sun Prairie at 3088 Burke Road.

“The investigation began with a tip from a confidential informant in July,” DeSpain said. “The seized plants were in different stages of growth, from young to mature, with some producing very high quality marijuana.”