Marijuana growing operation uncovered in Elk

December 12, 2012

Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate the details of a large-scale marijuana growing operation that was discovered in Elk on Dec. 11.
Investigators discovered the operation after two Inland Power and Light Co. transformers blew up because of the growing operation’s high power use. A subsequent search of a nearby building on the Newport Highway uncovered nearly 100 marijuana plants, 40 grow lights and 40 electrical ballasts.
Inland Power and Light crews became suspicious when they had to replace a blown transformer at the rural property. A few hours later the replacement transformer also blew.
IP&L crews needed a backhoe to dig up an illegally installed power bypass system near the property. The system is designed to bypass the company’s meter as to not alert authorities of the more-than-normal power usage.
No arrests have been made in connection with the growing operation but a person of interest was taken into custody on an unrelated charge.