Raids target two suspected marijuana grow houses in Henderson

By Paul Takahashi

Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 | 5:46 p.m.

Metro Police arrested two people Monday afternoon in connection with a "well-designed" marijuana grow operation discovered in two Henderson homes.

Officers raided the first of two suspected grow houses, on the 600 block of Black Ridge Road — near Horizon Drive and U.S. 95 — about 3 p.m., according to Lt. Laz Chavez with Metro's narcotics unit.

Inside, police found nearly 70 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $250,000. Officers also recovered several pounds of finished marijuana product, as well as a handgun, Chavez said.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman in connection with the marijuana grow operation, which took over three rooms in the house. Officers found extensive electrical wiring, fertilizer and chemicals in the home, presumably to aid in the grow operation.

A multi-agency anti-drug task force composed of Metro Police, Henderson Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration is currently raiding a second suspected grow house, a short distance from the first home, Chavez said. More details are forthcoming.

Metro Police were alerted to the alleged grow houses by a neighbor, who reported suspicious activity. After officers ran surveillance the homes over several days, they obtained a search warrant and launched a raid of the properties.

"We're not sure if it's a trend, but we're beginning to see more and more homes in the Henderson area," Chavez said. "They're popping up all over the valley, not just in Las Vegas."

Officers are also finding an "alarming" amount of guns at these grow houses, Chavez said. Within the past two weeks, police recovered 22 firearms at one suspected grow house, he added.

"These drug dealers are defending these homes (with guns)," Chavez said. "We're concerned about citizens caught in the crossfire."

Chavez urged the public to contact police whenever they see any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

"We follow up on every tip," he said.