Indoor grow discovered on 3rd Street

According to a Eureka Police Department News Release, dated April 27, 2011:
On 4/26/11, at about 2:20 PM, Detectives with the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) went to a residence on the 1800 block of 3rd Street, Eureka, to follow up on neighborhood complaints concerning suspected drug and gang related activity there.  Detectives contacted the primary resident and another male outside.  While speaking with the subjects, detectives smelled a strong odor of growing marijuana emanating from a detached second residence located behind the main house.  Upon further investigation, Detectives discovered a large indoor marijuana growing operation inside the two-story structure (a converted garage and apartments).  The grow had recently been harvested and approximately 150-200 plants were found hanging in a drying room.  An additional 258 growing marijuana plants in pots were found inside a second upstairs nursery.  These plants were in various stages of growth ranging from small clones to mature budding plants.  

Officials with the City of Eureka’s Community Development and Building Departments responded to the scene.  Numerous building code and electrical violations were found.  Additionally, the grow was determined to be far outside the provisions of Eureka’s Medical Cannabis Ordinance.  Detectives also uncovered evidence the grow was intended for commercial use (for profit) and may involve several individuals.  Residents were only able to produce a single expired medical marijuana recommendation (the primary suspect is also unemployed).  A PG&E technician was called to the scene and the electric meter to the residence was pulled due to the existence significant electrical/fire hazards.  

The investigation is continuing and an illegal marijuana cultivation case (felony) is expected to be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review for prosecution. 

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