Roger Dale Bagby grew an estimated 500 live plants in two converted bedrooms and a bathroom, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court by Randy Wagner, a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Rather than being sprouted from seeds, these marijuana plants were 'cloned,' i.e., there were several 'mother' marijuana plants in the bathroom from which cuttings would be taken and then planted, with each new cutting eventually developing its own root system and developing into separate plants." An additional 100 or more cloned marijuana plants were planted but had not yet developed their own root systems, he said.

Bagby was arrested for violating federal drug laws and taken into custody after the raid on his home yesterday.

The affidavit said Bagby began renting a residence at an Ala Olu Place address in November 2005, and that he lived there alone. Bagby estimated that he invested about $10,000 for the supplies and equipment to set up the operation, the affidavit said. The document also said Bagby has been growing marijuana for a little over two years and selling it for about 18 months.

Bagby told authorities that he made about $5,000 a month in marijuana sales, selling an ounce for $330 and one-quarter of an ounce for $100, the affidavit said. Also, Bagby told authorities he was arrested by Maui police for robbery on Wednesday after he pushed and punched a man who owed him $100 for a quarter ounce of marijuana.