Members of the Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force seized nearly 40 marijuana plants this month when officers busted a growing operation inCarmel, police said.
Valued between $2,000 and $8,000, the seizure is the result of a six-month independent investigation by the task force, according to Maj. Aaron Dietz of the Carmel Police Dept.
“This is fairly significant,” Dietz said. “Obviously, it can be very lucrative to grow your own (marijuana) and sell it. And with the indoor grows like these, unlike outside, you don’t have to depend on the weather. The average grow is a 90-day operation. So you can do that four times a year now, and we’re seeing it a lot more.”
Police arrested Derek Hanson, 29, ofCarmel, in connection with the case. Hanson was charged with felony cultivation of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
Police said more arrests are expected as a result of the investigation, though would not comment as to a number or time frame for them.
Residents who notice suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods are encouraged to contact law enforcement. According to Dietz, signs of a possible marijuana growing operation include home or garage windows covered with cardboard or otherwise blacked-out, constant lighting throughout the nighttime or at unusual hours and unusual venting. Residents who suspect drug-related activity can submit a tip to the drug task force through their local law enforcement agencies, or anonymously at 571-2545.