Neighbors tip off police to marijuana grow house

By Gregan Wingert

Published Monday, Aug. 29, 2011 | 10:19 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011 | 5:09 p.m.

Police discovered 200 marijuana plants with a street value of $700,000 when they raided a home Monday evening in the southern Las Vegas Valley. No suspects have been arrested.

Metro Police spokesman Lt. Laz Chavez said neighbors alerted authorities to unusual activity at the home in the 10600 block of Congaree Street, near Cactus Avenue and Jones Boulevard.

“We’re becoming more and more successful because of the tips,” Chavez said.

Marijuana plants standing 5 feet tall were estimated to have been growing for eight months. A home-made wiring system was also discovered near hazardous chemicals and fertilizer stored inside the house.

“The house was, in my opinion, only a spark plug away from exploding,” said Chavez, adding that the operation likely involved at least several people.

Earlier Monday, the Southern Nevada Cannabis Operations and Regional Enforcement team along with Metro uncovered a separate marijuana grow house in the 3700 block of Progress Circle near Gowan Road and Rainbow Boulevard.

Chavez said that grow house was not connected to the one on Congaree Street. Three men are in custody after 180 marijuana plants were found there. No weapons were found at either home.

Metro said 108 grow houses have been found this year. In 2010, a total of 119 were uncovered.