LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A major drug bust at a northwest valley home near Alexander Road and Tenaya is raising concerns among some Las Vegas residents after 814 pounds worth of marijuana were seized by Las Vegas Metro Police.
“Wow, that is a lot, man, that is like abuse. It’s abusing the purpose,” said nearby resident James Dean Gamponia.
Thursday morning, LVMPD released preliminary details, issuing a photo to social media of their narcotics unit seizing dozens of boxes, which consisted of the 814 pounds of marijuana as well as several materials used for the illegal growing operation.
“It’s outrageous, but it’s going on right next door to you and you don’t even know it, and it’s bad. You can’t have it, there are at least three schools right now that I know of that are within a mile of this area. At that many pounds, Jesus, go to some other place, we don’t need it over here,” added another resident, Steven Gamponia.
While the sale of recreational marijuana became legal within Clark County back in July of 2017, restrictions still apply.
Local ordinances have limited the consumption to private residences or lounges and according to a Nevada revised statute, as long as there are no cannabis stores within a 25-mile radius, a person who is 21 years of age or older can grow up to six plants within their home for personal consumption… however, that statute further limits the amount of marijuana plants to 12 per household if several qualified people reside within the same address.
Some residents who live nearby and heard of the illegal operation crackdown say they believe the more than 800 pounds worth of marijuana seized at the property far exceeded the limit.
“You’re going to ruin it, you’re going to ruin our medical procedure for people that have PTSD and stuff, that need it, actually need it.”
LVMPD says the extensive marijuana grow operation was dismantled, and says the investigation is still ongoing.
