Several Suburban Minnesota Marijuana Grow Houses Busted

It was a big week for busting marijuana grow houses in the Twin City area this week. Nine homes involved in a large grow ring were broken up throughout the week resulting in 18 arrests and over 3,000 plants being confiscated according to the Star Tribune.

The mostly Asian immigrant drug ring is believed to have ties to Canadian operations that use the same techniques. Upscale homes purchased mostly in 2006 made up the bulk of the busts. The homes sold for around $250,000 to $450,000 at the time of purchase.

The homes typically had a basement and attached garage. The operators would steal electricity to power their grown lamps in order to not be detected.

The street value of the confiscated marijuana is estimated at $16 million. In addition to the plants, large amounts of cash were also taken from the homes. The arrestees face multiple charges.

The arrests and raids were made as a cooperative effort between the West Metro Drug Task Force, the DEA, Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies.

Marijuana and other drug charges can get quite serious, landing you in prison for several years. People looking at going to prison for a major drug operation or even a minor sale are likely frightened and justifiably so.

If you are caught with less than 42.5 grams of marijuana you will only face a non-criminal petty misdemeanor. This is punished with a fine and is nothing like being caught with a growing operation in your basement.

If you are facing any sort of drug charge in the Minnesota criminal courts, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney going to bat for you. Contact me to discuss the details of your case today and see how I may be able to assist you during this trying time.