IDENTIFYING A GROW OPERATION

The last post was about how to identify former grow-op. In this post you can learn how to recognize a current grow house. There are a number of signs that a building may be used as a marijuana grow peration.

• Buyer or tenant unloads unrecognizable equipment and very few household furnishings.
• Buyer or tenant unloads copper and/or PVC pipe, soil, halogen lamps, large amounts of black plastic aluminum ducting, and fans.
• Tenants come and go at unusual hours but never seem to stay overnight.
• Little or no garbage is brought to the curb each week.
• Mail is rarely delivered to the house, and the mailbox may be taped shut.
• Windows are always dark and may be secured with metal bars, blacked out or heavily draped.
• A strong odor similar to skunk cabbage (bulk marijuana) comes from the building.
• Power meter spins at a very high speed or signs of electrical tampering.
• Heavy condensation on the inside of the windows.
• Humming sound of fans or generators.
• Condensation or discoloring on the roof.
• Unusual amounts of steam coming from vents in the house in cold weather.
• Rooftop with no snow on it when the surrounding houses are covered in snow.
• Individuals arriving at the house to put out the garbage, move toys in the front yard, shovel the snow or cut the    lawn and then leaving immediately.
• People entering and exiting the residence only through the garage keeping the garage door closed.
• Excessive security such as guard dogs, "keep out" signs, high fences, heavy chains and locks on gates.