HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of dollars worth of marijuana was discovered and seized after Florida law enforcement busted an illegal grow-house operation.
Deputies from Hardee County and personnel with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement uncovered 194 marijuana plants and 100 pounds of marijuana shake, which is the small leaves, stems and buds that fall off. It can still contain THC and other cannabinoids, making it valuable on the illegal market, according to a Facebook post by deputies.
The estimated value of the plants totals about $194,000, and detectives also discovered $100,000 in stolen utilities. The suspect allegedly tampered with Peace River Electric Cooperative utilities.
“The manipulation of these utilities not only poses a significant financial burden but also raises serious safety concerns,” officials said.
Pictures from law enforcement showed a kiddie pool and large bin filled with the shake and a large room with lights and fans to grow the many marijuana plants inside.
An arrest warrant was filed and charged the unnamed suspect with multiple criminal offenses including trafficking marijuana and theft of utilities.
