You can assist the Sheriff’s Office in eradicating marijuana by taking a few moments to familiarize yourself with the information contained on this page. Once you know what marijuana looks like, the signs indicative of indoor and outdoor marijuana grow operations and the equipment sometimes used in grow operations become noticeable. Contact us and help keep marijuana out of Washington County. 

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Indoor Grow Operations

• Windows that would normally be open are always covered

• Outbuildings have air conditioners

• Water lines run to basement or outbuilding

• Electrical cords run to basement or outbuilding

• Outbuilding or residence has an unusual amount of roof vents or exhaust fan noise

• Window sweating

• Utility meters are tampered with, allegedly damaged, or has broken seals

• Excess potting soil or other grow mediums around suspect building or in immediate area

• Utilities obtained under assumed names with payment made in cash

• Unexplained and unseasonably high utility bills

• Purchase of very expensive heat lamps for unexplained use

• House rented under assumed names with payment made in cash

Outdoor Grow Operations

• Individuals from another state or another area of Ohio paying large cash down payments for tracts of land, or paying for land in total cash

• Individuals without experience or knowledge about farming buying that type of land and indicating no visible means of support

• Unusual amount of vehicular traffic (especially at night) carrying unknown individuals on and off the property with entrance gates always being locked after entry

• Property with excessive security posted (i.e. signs advertising alarm systems, “beware of dog” and “keep out” signs), high fences, heavy chains and locks on gates, etc.

• Use of guard dogs, especially in certain areas of the property (i.e. around tin barn or building in an isolated area of the property)

• The building of a large green house or tin barn on property where these structures would not normally be utilized

• Erection of tents, the utilization of camper trailers or other recreational vehicles on wooded property with no evidence of recreational activities

• Utilization of a large amount of PVC pipe and hose for irrigation of unknown type of crop in a heavily wooded area

• Large outbuildings on the property where suspicious activity is observed and doors/windows are kept closed

Growing Equipment

There are different types of equipment used for both indoor and outdoor grows. Watch for these large purchases by individuals of:

• fertilizer;

• garden hose;

• plastic PVC pipe;

• chicken wire;

• long pieces of 2 x 2 lumber;

• different sizes of pots (utilized for different stages of growing plants);

• machetes;

• camouflage netting;

• camouflage clothing;

• various sizes of step ladders (up to 18 to 20 feet) usually painted with green and brown paint;

• green plastic garden tie materials;

• cans of green spray paint;

• large trash bags;

• lanterns;

• portable heaters (such as large kerosene heaters);

• extension cords; and,

• heat lamps and fans.