Law enforcement officers raided a house at 1476 South Waterside Drive in the Lanexa area of New Kent around 9:45 am on 15 December 2014, uncovering what they described as a professional marijuana growing operation and the largest illegal drug seizure of its kind in county history.[1] Inside, investigators found a sophisticated operation with grow rooms concealed behind false walls and hidden doorways in the basement, holding more than 500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth alongside lights, hydroponics, timers, fertilizer and other equipment.[1] Upstairs they seized several rifles kept in a gun safe; the house had a gated driveway and surveillance cameras.[1]
Close to 50 officers took part, with New Kent sheriff’s personnel leading and two State Police tactical units, three armored personnel carriers and federal ATF agents assisting; the raid capped an investigation in which the suspect had been on detectives’ radar for about two years.[1] Sheriff F. W. Howard Jr. called it the county’s biggest marijuana bust by far, praising the quality of the grow as a real professional job.[1]
Deputies arrested the resident, 54-year-old Daniel Ray Norwood, without incident.[1] He was held without bond pending arraignment the next day in New Kent General District Court on one felony count each of manufacturing marijuana, possessing more than five pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm while in possession of marijuana.[1] Two other people visiting the house were not arrested, and investigators said further charges against others were possible.[1]
