[Sativa]

Hancock County Sheriff's deputies seized 198 marijuana plants, $17,600 in cash, 36 growing lights, three trucks and other items in what law enforcement officials described as the largest marijuana growing operation ever uncovered in Hancock County.

Acting on a tip from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers on Monday raided a business called Wave Construction at 6211 W. Hancock County Road 400 North in Mount Comfort.

"Wave Construction is just a front for a very sophisticated marijuana grow operation," said Hancock County Sheriff Bud Gray. "This (bust) was just a great opportunity for our agencies (Hancock County and IMPD) to work together."

Police arrested two brothers, co-owners of the business -- Alvin Vanover, 58, and Will Vanover, 56, both of Indianapolis. The men are being held today in the Hancock County Jail without bond, pending their initial hearings scheduled for Thursday morning at the Hancock County Courthouse. They were arrested on charges of possessing, cultivating and dealing marijuana.

Indianapolis police have arrested the two men previously on charges alleging similar activities in Marion County, Gray said. Hancock County police had obtained information that the men had restarted their marijuana operations in Hancock County, he said.

Gray said police are continuing their investigation and are discussing possible federal charges with Drug Enforcement Administration officials.
Marijuana plants at the brothers' rented facility ranged from 3 to 6 feet tall, Gray said. The operation included carbon dioxide generators and dehumidifiers aimed at achieving ideal growing conditions for the plants.
Police found scant evidence of construction activity, Gray said, although that was the reputed purpose of the men's business.

"There was very little construction being done by Wave Construction," Gray said.



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Source: IndyStar.com
Author: Bill McCleery
Contact: IndyStar.com
Copyright: 2007 IndyStar.com
Website: Hancock County cops raid pot operation