Jul 10, 2008 9:11 pm US/Central
Secret Doors, Hidden Stairs Lead To Drug Bust
Ellis County Sheriff Deputies Bust Major Red Oak Pot-Growing Farm
RED OAK (CBS 11 News) ―
Sheriff deputies in Ellis County say a nine-month investigation has shut down a major marijuana-growing operation in the City of Red Oak.
Deputies raided a home in the 300 block of Pebble Creek Lane Wednesday. Behind the home they found a detached garage, which was being used as a home office.
Investigators say the office appeared normal and included a desk and a bookcase. But the bookcase was actually a secret door.
"If you didn't know about it, you would think it was nothing more than a bookcase. But once we found the key, and turned the key, it released a magnet that was behind the door," said Captain Danny Williams, Ellis County Sheriff's Office.
Once deputies opened the secret door, they quickly discovered a hidden stairwell that led them to two underground rooms. Sheriff Deputies had uncovered an elaborate pot-growing operation.
Sheriff Deputies say 46-year-old Dwayne Nielsen was growing hundreds of pot plants in a sophisticated, underground, hydroponic farm.
"I would have never known," said Sarah Taylor, his neighbor. "If you told me someone in the neighborhood was growing pot, I would have never guessed it was him."
Nielson apparently used a "mother plant" to produce an unlimited supply of marijuana seeds. The operation was capable of turning out $1 million worth of pot a year.
"I was very impressed. I've been with the sheriff's department for 22 years, and I have never seen an actual hidden room like this one," said Williams. "Usually you see this kind of thing on TV."
Deputies seized 155 plants along with elaborate growing equipment, including lamps and fans.
The nine-month investigation was a collaboration between the Ellis County Drug Task Force, Waxahachie Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Red Oak Police Department.
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