A sophisticated marijuana grow house operation was discovered and dismantled in Auburnadale, thanks to Tampa Electric Company (TECO) officers, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies said.
TECO representatives who went to a home at 2385 Taylor Road in Auburndale to remove the electric meter, noticed an illegal electrical tap and grew suspicious there might be a marijuana grow house.
Deputies were notified and investigators could smell the odor of marijuana upon arrival at the home. They also observed the illegal electric tap.
Based on probable cause, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and once inside, located an elaborate grow system and 52 mature marijuana plants.
Investigators dismantled the grow system and seized and destroyed the plants. No residents were in the house at the time the search warrant was executed, deputies said.
The investigation is ongoing.