Polk County detectives, during a training exercise Wednesday at the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute for Public Safety at Polk State College, unexpectedly found a marijuana grow house.
Deputies said, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Detective Jason Whatley, took class members comprised of local law enforcement detectives to a random area in Poinciana to conduct surveillance training.
Whatley then randomly chose a wooded area near a house located at 211 Grouper Court in Poinciana and attempted to conceal himself among the trees, as a practical exercise for the students who were attempting to surveil him. While hiding there, Whatley, who has over 13 years of experience in narcotics and undercover investigations, detected the odor of cannabis.
Upon further inspection, Whatley determined that the odor emanated from the house. He then summoned HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) detectives to the scene to further investigate.
A Progress Energy technician responded to the scene and confirmed that an illegal electricity tap was set up at the home. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the house based on the probable cause — the odor of marijuana, and the illegal electricity.
Once inside the house, HIDTA detectives located 60 marijuana plants, 28 mature and 32 baby plants, and an active marijuana grow house system. The plants were confiscated and destroyed. The investigation is ongoing.
