South Tahoe investigating residential pot grows

In the first month of South Lake Tahoe’s online Report a Grow program, a search warrant was served that turned into a child endangerment case and the seizure of more than 90 marijuana plants, and eight other properties were inspected and found to be in compliance with codes.

Those eight were told about the need to obtain a permit by Dec. 20 to be in compliance with the city’s Residential Medical Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department provides the following list of observations that could be indicative of marijuana growing operation:

• Strong marijuana odor or skunk-like smell around the residence.

• Excessive condensation on the windows or on the exterior of the residence.

• Brown discolored ooze seeping from the inside out.

• Black tarps or dark covering around the majority of windows.

• Ventilation holes cut into the home.

• Humming noises associated with ventilation fans.

• Signs of power meter tampering. Most marijuana grows draw a significant amount of electricity which would require altering the amperage output for the home.

• Suspicious activity including excessive foot traffic in and out, plastic pots with stems and/or numerous bags of fertilizer and soil with no signs of outdoor gardening. Loading or unloading of equipment from the residence during nighttime hours.

• Visible security cameras around the residence.