Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police, dismantled an indoor marijuana plantation in an illegally occupied house in Mediona, in Alt Penedes.[1] Officers detained the alleged keeper of the plantation, a 42-year-old man, on 29 October for alleged drug trafficking and electricity fraud.[1] Officers also arrested a 39-year-old man found in the adjacent dwelling who had a pending judicial search and arrest warrant.[2] Both detainees were brought before the duty court in Vilafranca del Penedes.[2]
Officers seized 774 marijuana plants spread between the first floor and the basement of the house.[2] The plants were in an advanced stage of flowering and maturation.[2] Inside officers also found intensive cultivation equipment including air-conditioning and ventilation systems, odour filters, high-power lights, transformers, fertilisers and water tanks.[2] Police estimated the fraudulent electricity consumption caused about 223,000 euros in losses.[1] Checks with the distribution company confirmed the house had no supply contract and had a clandestine electricity connection.[1]
The investigation began after officers saw several people unloading marijuana-growing material from a van into the house.[1] Officers then detected a strong marijuana smell, high heat emissions on thermal images and air-conditioning units hidden with tarpaulins behind the house.[1] After the operation the house was returned to its owner to close and secure it against further occupation.[2] The investigation remains open to identify and locate other people who could be linked to the plantation.[2]
