Seattle Police arrest 2, bust grow house that was using stolen electricity in Burien

Seattle police arrested a 36-year-old man and released a female suspect after raiding a Burien grow house on January 28. Detectives discovered 11 pounds of packaged marijuana and 28 marijuana plants cultivated in the basement, utilizing stolen electricity from the Seattle City Light grid. Officers also seized two firearms, including one reported stolen. Authorities found no evidence that the residents had obtained necessary permits for legal marijuana cultivation under Washington State law. The man faces multiple charges, including narcotics manufacturing, defrauding a public utility, and possession of a stolen firearm.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in regulating illegal marijuana operations in the region. Marijuana legalization has led to increased scrutiny of illegal cultivation practices, especially those involving utility theft. Community safety concerns arise from the potential dangers of unregulated grow operations, prompting police to enhance their investigations.