Florida deputies bust 'elaborate' marijuana grow house, utility theft operation: HCSO

The Hardee County Sheriff's Office says it has busted a marijuana grow house containing nearly $200,000 worth of plants, along with a "sophisticated" setup that involved stealing utilities.

What did detectives seize from the grow house?

What we know:

HCSO called the operation "elaborate," with deputies and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement seizing 194 plants valued at an estimated $194,000.

Detectives also seized about 100 pounds of marijuana "shake," which the sheriff's office defined as "the small leaves, stems, and buds that fall off marijuana plants, typically collected after handling the plants."

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Hardee County deputies busted a grow house they say contained nearly $200,000 worth of marijuana plants. (Courtesy: Hardee County Sheriff's Office.)

The suspect also tampered with PRECO utilities, deputies said, resulting in theft totaling more than $100,000.

Hardee County deputies say utility theft totaled more than $100,000 to operate a marijuana grow house. (Courtesy: Hardee County Sheriff's Office.)

Hardee County deputies say utility theft totaled more than $100,000 to operate a marijuana grow house. (Courtesy: Hardee County Sheriff's Office.)

The suspect faces multiple charges, including trafficking in marijuana and theft of utilities, according to HCSO.

What we don't know:

The sheriff's office did not release the location of the grow house or the name of the suspect.

What they're saying:

"This investigation highlights our commitment to have a zero tolerance on illegal drug activities in our community and holding those responsible accountable for their actions," said Sheriff Vent Crawford. "Additionally, the theft of utilities places an undue burden on local residents and businesses."

The Source: This story was written using information provided by the Hardee County Sheriff's Office.

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