Grow House Busted After Crime Stoppers Tip

Two Thonotosassa men face a host of charges after the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office decided to look into a tip it received through Crime Stoppers.

It seems the tipster wanted something done about a home at 11634 Harmony Ranch Lane where it was believed the people inside were illegally growing marijuana.

Acting on that tip, Hillsborough detectives launched an investigation and were able to obtain enough evidence to get a search warrant.

Once inside the home, detectives found several rooms converted for growing marijuana, an email to media from the agency stated. Nineteen marijuana plants were growing in those rooms, along with the equipment required to foster the growing process. Detectives also seized 11 pounds of processed marijuana that was being vacuum sealed.

All told, some 20 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $40,000, was seized. TECO representatives also discovered an illegal electrical meter connection. It was estimated about $2,100 worth of electricity had been stolen, the sheriff’s office said in an email to media.

Two men were arrested following the search of the home. Ahmed Montano, 29, now faces cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and grand theft of electricity charges. Vladimir LaRosa, 50, was charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

Both men were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail, deputies say.

Photo Credit: Ahmed Montano, Vladimir LaRosa and photos of the seizure courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office