TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Four Named In AP Growhouse Bust

ADVERTISEMENT

By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: December 6, 2007

Four men remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of $101,500 bail each Wednesday, after they were arrested Tuesday morning in a raid on 205 Ballard Road, in Avon Park.

Yohalvy Alfonso, 26, of 205 Ballard Road, Avon Park; Osmany Pedraza Machado, 37, of 2605 24th Court, Miami; Danny Rivero, 29, of 3135 First St., Miami; and Ariel Rivero Santana, 34, of 3135 First St., Miami, were booked Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or distribute, trafficking in marijuana 25 pounds or more and possession of narcotics equipment.

It was about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, when the sheriff's drug task force raided the 205 Ballard Road home, arresting the four men on felony marijuana charges.

Danny Rivero was listed as the registered owner with the Highlands County Property Appraiser. He told deputies that he arrived at the home at about 8 a.m. to collect the rent, but denied having any knowledge of the marijuana inside the home.

Deputies reported the smell of marijuana emanating from the home was so strong it could be smelled outside.

Santana and Machado also denied knowledge of the marijuana inside the home.

About 93 pounds of marijuana were recovered from inside the home. Alfonso told deputies he smokes marijuana; it was his and it was for his own personal use.

Sheriff's Capt. Randy LaBelle reported that the house was about 95 percent restored and while evidence of a growhouse operation remained, it was nearly dismantled.

There was no evidence of a diversion of power found at this location, LaBelle said Wednesday.
The growing operation was located in the garage, he said. Two vehicles were also seized in the raid.
This was the 58th growhouse operation located in Highlands County since November 2006.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT