Hundreds of Marijuana Plants Found in Newly Sold Home: Police

GLENELG, MD – Police said the largest marijuana grow operation in Howard County was found this week.

Two people have been charged: Casey Ann Fowler, 48, and Daniel Earl Sims, 48, of Glenelg.

Hundreds of marijuana plants were found in the home in the 14300 block of Triadelphia Road where Fowler and Sims had been renters and police said they had been running a large-scale drug manufacturing operation.

The home had recently been sold at an auction, and officials began investigating after the new owner stopped by and found an unknown van in the driveway.

While standing in the driveway with the owner, police said there was a "strong odor of fresh marijuana" and officers noticed fans by the heating and air conditioning units, where the smell was strongest.

After obtaining a search and seizure warrant, narcotics detectives reported finding a "sophisticated and substantial growing operation in the basement, with hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of maturation" supported by special lighting, watering and ventilation systems.

Police said they seized marijuana packaged as if for distribution and more than $75,000 in cash while serving the warrant on Friday, May 6.

On the main floor, detectives identified concentrated marijuana known as THC, appearing as an amber-colored paste that users inhale in a process called "dabbing."

Marijuana was not the only drug found in the home. Police said that crack cocaine, heroin, prescription pills, a scale and shotgun were also recovered at the scene.

Fowler is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drugs other than marijuana, paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute and drug manufacturing. She was at the home when officials served the search warrant, according to police, who said she was charged and released on $50,000 bond.

Sims is charged with possession of marijuana, four counts of possession of drugs other than marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing and possessing a firearm in a drug offense. He was charged Thursday and is at the Howard County Detention Center on $45,000 bond, police said Friday.

Howard County police ask anyone with information about drug activity to call the Drug Tip Line at 410-290-DRUG.

Photo Credit: Howard County Police Department.