Pubdate: Thu, 12 Oct 2006
Source: Goldsboro News-Argus (NC)
Copyright: 2006 Goldsboro News-Argus
Contact:  http://www.newsargus.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/969

MARIJUANA GROWERS ARE TAKING THEIR CROPS INDOORS

The Goldsboro-Wayne County Drug Squad said a spike in the number of 
marijuana plants found in Wayne County could trigger an increase in 
the number of people who use creative ways to raise them.

The drug squad recently confiscated 50 to 75 marijuana plants from 
suspects who were growing the plants indoors.

While that is a relatively low number, Lt. Tom Effler, the drug 
squad's co-commander, said he expects the number to rise given the 
increase in outdoor marijuana plants found by the drug squad.

"That's probably going to pick up because the more we get outdoor 
grows, they are going to have to find somewhere to keep it," Effler said.

Tightened borders since the Sept. 11 attacks forced growers to raise 
marijuana fields in the U.S. The result has spelled trouble for local 
law enforcement officials.

A total of 15,284 marijuana plants were seized near Black Jack Church 
and Ferry Bridge roads in June and 6,200 plants were seized near 
Airport and Lancaster roads in August. The numbers show no signs of decrease.

"Throughout the country they have found high numbers of indoor grows 
and whatever starts out west usually ends up here," Effler said.

Growers use an intricate process to nurture the illegal plants, Effler said.

Growers black out the windows of the residence to avoid sunlight and 
to shield their operation from neighbors. They also bring in extra 
extension cords and fluorescent lights to raise the plants.

"Marijuana's got to have light," Effler said.

The growers also use water to raise the green, leafy plants.

Effler said there are a few tell-tale signs that someone might be 
growing marijuana plants indoors, but there's no exact science that 
can be used to determine if someone is growing the pungent plants 
without inspecting the residence.

"Most of the time you are going to have a lot of drop cords running 
to the house," Effler said. "Until they start bringing it out, you 
might not know that's going on. If they are just growing marijuana in 
the residence they might show up every now and then."
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