A Look Inside Alleged Marijuana Grow House In Arlington
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Department of Public Safety investigators working a cargo theft case in Arlington yesterday found a secret, underground room in a back yard where hundreds of marijuana plants were growing.
Today, CBS11 News gave viewers a look inside the alleged drug operation beneath the deck of the unassuming, red brick residential home.
No one was there when CBS11 crews knocked at the door of the home on the 5800 block of Magnum Drive off of South Collins Street. But the gate to the backyard was open and there wasn't a door to the entrance of the alleged grow room.
A ladder led to the room about 10 feet below the wooden deck.
Thin concrete walls covered in insulation and electrical wiring enclose the dark, underground room. Wood beams support the ceiling. Marijuana leaves were scattered on the ground where investigators said they removed more than 100 plants.
While CBS crews were at the scene, curious neighbors stopped by to see what all the activity was about.
"I've never seen a trap door or a room underground," said Zyrreon Payton. "So, of course I want to see something like that."
Above ground, a large, black garbage bag sat full of wet, faded green marijuana leaves. A deck surrounded by solar panels and broken light fixtures once powered by them sat empty.
Investigators cleared the scene on Magnum Drive, but CBS11 uncovered more area homes involved in the investigation.
Authorities arrested Tri Vo, 31, and Jlicia Perry, 26. Both were charged with Cargo Theft Over $200,000, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Possession of Marijuana over 4 ounces under 5 pounds.
Tri Vo owns three other houses in the metroplex. CBS11 has requested details about searches done at his other properties.
Vo and Perry are currently awaiting trial at the Tarrant County Jail.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)