April 25, 2008
Valdosta -- Neighbors are shocked after deputies in Lowndes County raided a home in a quiet golf community. Investigators found nearly 100 marijuana plants growing inside a house where a man, woman and one year old child live.
Perry Chandler usually enjoys the view of the golf course from his home at Stone Creek. But he says it's his next door neighbor's house that recently caught his eye.
"I looked and saw all these guys in what looked like combat uniforms and they had automatic weapons and guns strapped to their sides, and their mics and bullet proof vests. And I assumed at that point it was some sort of raid," Chandler said.
Turns out the house next door was a grow house. Investigators carted off nearly 100 marijuana plants growing inside, along with the young couple who lived there. "You see stuff like that on 60 minutes. You never anticipate it will show up next door."
29 year-olds Orlando Rodriguez and Mayther Moriyan are still in jail charged with manufacturing of marijuana and possession of tools for the commission of a crime. Their young daughter in the custody of DFACS.
The news of the bust has this quiet neighborhood in shock. "Nice, very nice homes. You wouldn't think a drug bust would happen here. That's for sure," said Crystal Frederick.
"The way it seems. I don't believe it. Things are possible but I don't believe it," said Calvin William.
But has taught them drugs can be anywhere in the community at any time. Georgia Power may also press charges against the couple for stealing electricity and damaging power lines.
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