Published April 26 2016
Bellevue police have shut down two illegal marijuana grows in Bellevue's residential neighborhoods. Following an anonymous tip, detectives with the Eastside Narcotics Task Force and the Special Enforcement Team identified two homes involved in illegally manufacturing marijuana.
On April 20, detectives served search warrants on both residences, on the 15000 block of Southeast 43rd Place and the 1000 block of 158th Place Southeast, where a total of 1,649 plants were seized. Investigators also noted that both homes had been heavily modified for the sole purpose of manufacturing marijuana. Three adults were detained after evidence was gathered. The 53-year-old Bellevue resident was arrested, interviewed and released pending charges filed with the King County Prosecutor's Office.
Puget Sound Energy and Bellevue Code Compliance were both notified of the activity and have shut off power to both locations pending inspection. Just last month, Bellevue police and firefighters responded to a house fire that resulted from an illegal marijuana grow in the 14200 block of Southeast 38th Street. That homeowner is currently working with the city to meet code requirements before the power may be restored.
These illegal operations are especially concerning in residential areas where more power is brought into a home than it is capable of supporting, thus creating an increased risk of fire. None of the locations possessed appropriate medical marijuana provider paperwork or were licensed producers/processors with the state. The Phantom Lake residence is located within half a block of Phantom Lake Elementary School, just as the Eastgate residence is located half a block from Eastgate Elementary.
Bellevue Police are committed to removing these illegal operations in Bellevue. Residents are encouraged to report any activity that might be associated with manufacturing marijuana, such as an overwhelming odor, modified homes, excessive ducting equipment and/or power diversions. To report this activity, please contact the Bellevue Police Department Tip Line at 425-452-4289.