10/06/06 - Federal and state authorities have so far discovered over fifty
"grow houses" in Port St. Lucie County. The homes weren't primarily
used by their owners to grow equity, but to grow pot plants.
The well-organized operation was apparently financed by an unnamed
New Jersey business that offered "relocation packages" to people willing
to move to Florida and live for free in a new home in their name. In
exchange, they agreed to grow marijuana in the house for at least two
years. The profits from the harvests, as much as a million dollars a year
per house, were split between the growers and the financiers, as well as
any profits from the sale of the house after two years if the growers
decided they had had enough.
Police have, since May, arrested at least 62 people and seized over two
tons of marijuana as well as a large amount of cash. Those arrested
face fines and imprisonment of from 20 to 40 years. Forfeiture
proceedings are underway for the homes involved..
The American Dream of home ownership sometimes goes up in smoke.
Floridians
and wannabees
