After receiving an anonymous tip on Friday, Jan. 23, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an address in Crystal River regarding the potential existence of a large “grow house” in the area.

When deputies approached the property at 9853 W. Woodhaven Lane, two Hispanic males fled the scene in a ’95 Ford Taurus with a Georgia tag number of BFW4119 and a front plate with an ATLANTA FALCONS insignia. A statewide BOLO (be on the lookout) was immediately issued for the pair.

Deputies then canvassed the property, noticing a strong odor of cannabis all around them, as well as an abundance of surveillance cameras and exposed piping that had been painted to camouflage it. A search warrant was secured and a search of the property ensued.

Deputies searched a residence, along with a large steel building. Inside the home, officers found no furniture except mattresses on the floor and cabling that led to the many security cameras. A search of the steel building revealed a premier hydroponics system that sustained marijuana plants in two large rooms. A total of 30 marijuana plants were discovered, ranging in height from 7 to 10 feet. The plants were near harvest and were very high grade.

“These are the best plants I’ve ever seen,” said Detective John Novy, a member of the specialty unit responsible for the search, “and I’ve seen a LOT of plants.” According to Novy, the average marijuana plant yields about 1 pound of sellable marijuana. “These plants,” he said, “would each yield about 3 to 4 pounds of sellable marijuana.”

In all, deputies retrieved 377 pounds of marijuana, which included the near-harvest plants and 5 pounds of processed marijuana found inside the residence.

The estimated total value of the marijuana is $500,000. Along with the cannabis, deputies also seized 4 air conditioning refrigeration units.

During the search, Sheriff’s Office crime scene specialists were able to obtain fingerprints as well as DNA samples that will be used to help identify the suspects.

“This is the largest seizure at a single residence we’ve had since I joined this unit in 2002,” said Novy. “They were sitting on a gold mine.”

If you have any information regarding the men involved in this crime, please call the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at 352-726-1121 or 911. You can remain anonymous when you call.