Small Town News

Pot farm found in Whitney apartment

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WHITNEY - At around 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, officers from the Whitney Police Department were dispatched to 510 W. Roosevelt in reference to possible drug activity. The address is part of the Whitney Housing Authority property, and while maintenance was conducting a follow-up repair at an apartment, workers reported smelling a strong odor of what they believed to be marijuana inside the apartment along with residue throughout the apartment.

"While officers spoke to the HousingAuthority personnel outside the apartment, they could smell a strong odor of what they believed to be marijuana emitting from inside the residence, "said Police Chief Jake Sullivan. "The officers remained on scene to secure the area while a search warrant was secured."

At approximately 2:45 p.m., the officers secured the search warrant and en-tered Apartment #12. Upon entry, Chief Sullivan said, the officers observed

several stems believed to be marijuana and multiple locations where marijuana was lying around in plain view. The officers entered the bedroom and found an elaborate growing system containing three plaints approximately 3-4 feet in length enclosed in a plastic tote. The growing system was complete with its own irrigation system, timer for the lighting, thermostats, and a ventilation system. In other parts of the apartment several seedlings believed to be marijuana were located. Officers found several lights used for growing, irrigation systems, and multiple jars and bags containing what is believed to be marijuana. While officers were removing evidence and other items, the suspect and his mother arrived.

The suspect, 22-year-old Marco Estrella-Rew, was arrested for possession of marijuana over four ounces and less than five pounds, a State Jail Felony. While officers continued their investigation with the mother, more marijuana was located, and 45-year-old Kimberly Rew was arrested for possession of marijuana under two ounces. Both individuals are from Whitney.

Officers seized computers, watches, a television and multiple video game systems, and cash believed to be from the proceeds from Marco Estrella-Rew's activities.

"We have received several tips of his activity over the past few weeks, but nothing to support further investigation until Thursday afternoon, "Chief Sullivan noted.



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© 2011 The Lakelander Whitney, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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