Updated: 8:47 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | Posted: 3:42 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. —
Outside, they look like any other homes on the block, but deputies discovered a thriving drug operation taking root on the inside.
Investigators said each high-grade marijuana plant that they found was worth up to $5,000. Osceola and Polk County deputies seized more than 400 of them in neighborhoods around Poinciana.
WATCH RAID: Cops Raiding Home | ImagesRAW VIDEO: High-Grade Pot Plants Found | Images
"There was a lot of traffic in the area; you can put two and two together," said Eddie, a neighbor.
Investigators uncovered 10 grow houses Tuesday as a result of their month-long investigation.
"This was a very large scale operation one of the largest we've seen. And we're looking to see if we can link the suspects to other grow houses in the area including Saint Cloud," said Twis Lizasuain of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.
Polk County arrested 18 suspects and Osceola County arrested 11 more. All the suspects are Cuban nationals and investigators believe the suspects are in the country illegally.
Deputies seized more than $30,000 in cash in addition to the marijuana, guns and cars. The suspects also face charges for stealing power that was used to nurture the illegal growing operation.
Investigators are working to identify a ring leader. Osceola County is also trying to determine if the suspects own any of the homes that were raided. If so, deputies could take action to seize the properties.