CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia State Police say they cut and destroyed a record number of marijuana plants in 2009.

Troopers destroyed more than 223,000 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of about $444 million. That was up from more than 144,000 plants in 2008.

A massive bust in the Eastern Panhandle brought in more than 100,000 plants.

State Police Sgt. Mike Smith leads the marijuana eradication program. He says West Virginia's terrain is perfect for cultivating marijuana because of its temperate climate and ideal growing conditions.

Police say growers are branching out from traditional locations, with more growing activity found last year in Mason, Grant and Hardy counties and in several southern counties.