MOUND CITY ? Linn County officials believe a large marijuana growing operation in southeast Kansas was the work of Mexican nationals.

WDAF reports authorities destroyed more than $100,000 worth of pot Monday in 10 fields in a wooded area about 60 miles south of Kansas City.

Linn County Sheriff Barry Walker says the field was discovered months ago, but the growers apparently fled before Monday’s raid.

One undercover officer says the operation was typical of others in which Mexican workers live at the fields 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He says the workers generally get paid about $200 a day and at the end of the year get a bonus.

Walker says cameras were set up weeks ago in the hope that the workers would return.