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Polk deputies uncover pot growing operations

Polk County Sheriff's Office

This marijuana growing operation at 406 Anise Place in Poinciana was one of three uncovered Wednesday.

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Published: July 9, 2009

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Elier Nieves

Edwin Gonzalez-Colon

Kelven Bautista

Catalino Vasquez-Hildago

Polk deputies discovered three marijuana grow houses during two separate investigations Wednesday, according to sheriff's office spokeswoman Carrie Eleazer.

When a Lakeland Electric employee cut off the power at 6632 Dove Meadow Trail and several lights stayed on, he called the sheriff's office. Deputies say Elier Nieves, 38, had 22 mature marijuana plants, hidden in an underground room beneath a backyard barn, which he cultivated by stealing electricity, Eleazer said.

Nieves was charged with marijuana cultivation, possession with intent to sell, theft of utilities, maintaining a dwelling for drug use and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also on Wednesday, deputies responded to an anonymous tip about a grow house at 406 Anise Place in Poinciana.

Detectives say Edwin Gonzalez-Colon, 32, and Kelven Batista, 19, were cultivating 40 pot plants in a bedroom. Deputies say they also found 4 grams of heroin at the home.

During the investigation, Gonzalez-Colon told deputies about another grow house at 302 Michigan Lane in Poinciana. When detectives arrived at that home, they found a bedroom setup they say Catalino Vasquez-Hildago, 40, had used to grow the plants but was dismantled.

Gonzalez-Colon, Batista and Hildago all face multiple drug-related charges including marijuana cultivation and maintaining a dwelling for drug use.

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