Sheriff's Detectives Raid Valrico Marijuana Grow House

A Valrico man is in sheriff's custody after detectives raided his home on Clareside Drive and seized 20 marijuana plants.

Felipe Tamayo Hernandez, 52, of 2515 Clareside Drive, Valrico, is charged with Detectives Close a Grow House the manufacture of marijuana, trafficking in marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and grand theft of electricity.

According to sheriff's reports, on Saturday at about 4:45 p.m., sheriff's office District 4 street crime detectives obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant resulting in the seizure of 20 marijuana plants, totaling 186 pounds. The street value of the plants is approximately $140,000.

When they entered the home, detectives discovered a sophisticated lighting and irrigation system as well as a second air-conditioning unit used to cool the garage.

Hernandez was arrested without incident.