'Sophisticated Marijuana Grow Operation' Found in Suffolk Home: Police

Suffolk County Police have released details on a drug bust that uncovered a "sophisticated marijuana grow operation" inside a Holtsville home.

Following an investigation, detectives from the Narcotics Section, Sixth Precinct Narcotics Enforcement Special Operations Team, Criminal Intelligence Section and officers from the Emergency Service Section and the Sixth Precinct executed a search warrant Friday around 6:45 a.m. at 73 Frances Boulevard and arrested a resident, Rolando Gomes Portal.

Investigators seized approximately four pounds of dried marijuana, more than 80 marijuana plants, 20 grams of heroin, more than 500 oxycodone pills, more than 1,000 Xanax, a loaded shotgun, a 2011 BMW, scales and $8,000, police said.

They also seized an air filtering system, a lighting system and water filtration system that were used as part of a hydroponic marijuana growing system, police said.

“This is a significant blow, "Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Tim Sini said of the bust. "It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are, if you are dealing drugs in this county, the Suffolk County Police Department is coming for you."

Portal is charged with four counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, first degree criminal possession of marijuana, two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, three counts of third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and two counts of fifth degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Portal will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on Saturday.