Grow houses are often used in cases involving marijuana trafficking or cultivation. Let’s discuss what a grow house is and how the police identify these hidden operations.
What Happens at a Grow House?
Grow houses are often located in unassuming suburban neighborhoods or commercial areas. These houses are used to grow mass amounts of marijuana and remain undetected. In fact, these houses are located in nearly every county in Florida.
It can be hard to know what is going on behind closed doors. So how do the police identify grow houses?
Investigating a Grow House
There are a few strategies or types of evidence that can be used to identify a grow house.
First, aerial surveillance. The police have special technology that they can employ to investigate grow houses. They may use drones to take videos of the property. They may also use heat sensing technology. Marijuana plants must be kept under horticulture lamps, which cause a significant increase in temperature inside grow houses. Heat sensing technology can determine whether or not a house is emitting an unusual amount of heat. If it is, this can be a sign that marijuana is being cultivated inside. Additionally, extremely high electricity bills can be a red flag.
Houses may also be investigated further if neighbors report suspicious activity. This could be:
- Many people coming in and out
- Smells emanating from the house
- Odd wiring
- Blacked out windows
- Activity at odd times of day
If there is enough evidence to support that a home may be being used as a marijuana grow house, the police may obtain a search warrant. If they are granted a search warrant, they can enter the property without the owner or tenant’s consent. If they find evidence of marijuana cultivation or other drug offenses, everyone involved may be arrested.
Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Defense in Miami
If you have recently been charged with a felony or federal drug offense in Miami, contact us at Hager & Schwartz, P.A.. These are complex cases and there is a lot at stake. We have helped numerous clients avoid the consequences of a conviction, and we can help you too. Call our Miami criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible: (305) 330-1360.