Friday, June 12, 2009

Grow House Bust Nets Nearly $500K In Pot

WHAT: Marijuana Grow House Arrest

WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2009

LOCATION: 3265 56th Ave. N.E., Golden Gate Estates

ARRESTED: Jose Pablo Ferrer, 56, S.W. 110th Ave., Miami

CHARGE: Marijuana trafficking

SUMMARY: Deputies uncovered around 160 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $480,000 growing inside this two-story residence.

While acting on a search warrant at this residence, Collier County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators found the plants and equipment used to grow marijuana such as fans, additional cooling units and transformers. The equipment was valued at $25,000, investigators said.

The growing operation was primarily in two rooms on the first floor, investigators said.
Ferrer was inside the residence when the warrant was executed, investigators said.

The discovery of this grow house and Ferrer’s arrest were the result of follow-up investigation by CCSO from Operation Eagle Claw on Thursday. Investigators arrested three people, shut down four houses associated with marijuana growing operations in the Estates and confiscated nearly $500,000 worth of plants during the two-state operation.

Among the plants that were found Friday were what investigators called “mother plants.” These plants don’t have buds, but can produce more plants from their clippings, which can be used to start another marijuana grow operation. Friday’s bust turned up around 20 mother plants, investigators said, noting that such busts typically yield one mother plant.

Ferrer was being booked into the Collier County jail Friday night. His mug shot will be posted when it is available.

An investigation continues.

Watch Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk discuss this investigation: