Tamaqua police charged Richardo Pujols Custodio, 41, of West Broad Street, with unlawful possession of a controlled substance after officers found he was growing marijuana plants on the back porch of his apartment.

Police said they were contacted about the plants on Sept. 8, and the caller provided officers with photographs of the plants. Police said they went to Pujols Custodio’s residence and heard a voice coming from the rear. As police made their way back to the porch to speak to the man, Pujols Custodio, they saw the plants in plain view.

Officers said Pujols Custodio said he found the plants. Police said they confiscated them and submitted them to the Bethlehem Regional Laboratory. The plants tested positive for THC and 53.1 grams of marijuana was recovered.

The charge was filed March 21 in Tamaqua Magisterial District Court.