By Brian C. Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — Seven pounds of marijuana allegedly packaged for sale, 107 marijuana plants, a pound of cocaine and other drug-related materials reportedly were found by Warren police when a search warrant was executed at a home in the northeast corner of the city on Jan. 2.

According to Warren Police Lt. Glenn Brymer, officers raided the home off of 13 Mile Road during the evening hours after an “extensive” investigation revealed information about an alleged large-scale marijuana growing operation.

“In Warren, this is pretty big. It’s up there,” Brymer said. “Through an ongoing investigation we received information on it. Through the course of our investigation, and then aided by surveillance, we were able to confirm their suspicions.”

Dozens of marijuana plants in various stages of maturity, seven pounds of marijuana allegedly packaged and ready for sale, a pound of cocaine, and a small amount of psilocybin — or hallucinogenic mushrooms — were seized. Police also reportedly grabbed a shotgun, a laptop computer, about $6,000 in cash and equipment used in the grow operation, including fertilizer, high-powered heat lamps, fans, and packaging materials.

The materials were reportedly set up in the basement of the home, and police suspected that loose marijuana found scattered on the floor indicated that the suspects had been in the process of harvesting.

Two individuals were taken into custody during the police operation, including a resident of the home. The suspects, whose names were not released pending their formal arraignments in the 37th District Court, were expected to face a list of charges including possession with intent to deliver marijuana and cocaine, manufacturing marijuana, and maintaining a drug house. A third suspect, identified only as another resident of the home, was still being sought on Jan.  6.

The raid began 2009 with another high-profile publicized bust that followed a nine-month stated crackdown on drugs and prostitution in Warren.  Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer announced the effort last spring.

The commissioner said drug dealers, and residents, can expect the busts to continue this year.

“We may see more in 2009. We’ll continue these drug raids and prostitution raids until we clean the city,” Dwyer said. “I think with the efforts that we are making, we’re going to see a decrease in the amount of drugs that are being dispensed in the city of Warren.”

Anyone with information about suspected narcotics activity is encouraged to call the Warren Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (586) 574-GUTS.

You can reach Staff Writer Brian C. Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1089.