By Staff
ST. JOSEPH - On Aug. 27, Berrien County Deputy Sheriff John Hopkins received information that marijuana was being grown and processed in the basement of 1624 Hickory St., Niles.
Hopkins requested the assistance of Niles Police Department and the Berrien County Narcotics Unit in investigating the alleged grow operation.
Officers went to the address and received consent from a female resident to search the house.
Officers discovered two elaborate grow rooms in the basement, complete with high-intensity lighting and ventilation systems built in.
Officers seized 24 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, according to Lt. Keith Hafer.
Hafer said the small plants were in a starter room and mature plants were in a separate grow room.
Officers also seized processed marijuana, along with a .25 semi- automatic pistol and a truckload of growing equipment.
Warrants are being requested for the male and female residents of 1624 Hickory on the charges listed above.