Cannabis Blog

Six people arrested in connection with an indoor pot-growing operation appeared Tuesday in bond court. Their next court date is Jan. 11 in Will County. The Cook County South Narcotics Unit and Romeoville Police found the operations Monday, leading to the arrest of six on felony charges of producing cannabis. “Unfortunately, it occurs throughout the country. Obviously, money can be made in this illegal activity, and it’s unfortunate there are people who are engaged in this activity. We are glad to see that these operations were shut down,” said Mark Turvey, interim Romeoville police chief. Cuong Van Tran, 31, Vinh Thi Nguyen, 51, Chien Van Tran, 29, Canh Van Tran, 55, all of the 1735 William Drive in Romeoville, have been charged with production of cannabis, a Class 2 felony. Bond for the four offenders has been set at $50,000.

Police reportedly found about 18 cannabis plants behind concealed rooms in the basement inside the home at 1735 William Drive. The group had an advanced indoor grow operation, with elaborate lighting, ventilation and irrigation systems, according to a Cook County Sheriff press release. Nghia Tien Dinh, 39, and Hue D. Tuong, 38, both of the 1663 Rose Lane in Romeoville, have been charged with production of cannabis, a Class 1 felony. Bond for Dinh and Tuong has been set at $70,000. At the Rose Lane home, police reportedly found another cannabis grow operation that spanned the basement, with approximately 225 plants. The house also had advanced cultivation equipment similar to the first home, indicating a wholesale distribution operation, police said.

Police developed information on the houses through weeks-long surveillance and investigations. They obtained search warrants Monday. Police reportedly found harvested marijuana in the basements of both houses. Charges are pending on this additional evidence. This is the second major grow house bust in a week by sheriff’s police which led to the seizure of more than $1 million in cannabis. This drug bust was the third in a month for Romeoville, Turvey said.