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Marijuana Grow House Operation Uncovered

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

TAMPA -- A traffic stop in Collier County led investigators to discover a northern Hillsborough County marijuana grow operation, where they seized more than $850,000 in drugs, troopers say.

Ariel Quintana, 33, of Lutz was arrested Friday by the Florida Highway Patrol.

A trooper pulling Quintana over for driving 90 mph in a 70 mph zone developed information from him about the grow operation, an FHP release states. The home was searched, and more than 260 hydroponic marijuana plants were seized. About $50,000 in electricity also was stolen at the location, according to the release.

Sgt. Steve Gaskins declined to say exactly where in Hillsborough County the plants were located.

He said the investigation is ongoing.

Quintana was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possessing drug paraphernalia, trespassing and larceny, and trafficking in marijuana, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office jail Web site.

He remained in Orient Road Jail late Friday. No bail had been set.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.

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