Signs of Illegal Grows

Indoor Grows

The following signs could be indicative of indoor marijuana grows

• 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 unusual amount of roof vents or exhaust fan noise
• Ballast noise
• Window sweating
• Utility meter 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 Grows

The following signs could be indicative of outdoor marijuana grows:

• Individuals from another state paying large cash down payments for tracts of land (or paying for land totally in cash)
• Individuals with no 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 or 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

Grow Equipment

There are several different types of equipment used with both indoor and outdoor grows. Watch for these signs as well:

• Large purchases by individuals of:
  • Camouflage clothing
  • Camouflage netting
  • Cans of green spray paint
  • Chicken wire
  • Different sizes of pots (utilized for different stages of growing plants)
  • Extension cords
  • Fans
  • Fertilizer
  • Garden hose
  • Green plastic garden tie materials
  • Heat lamps
  • Lanterns
  • Large trash bags
  • Long pieces of 2 by 2 lumber
  • Machetes
  • Plastic PVC pipe
  • Portable heaters (such as large kerosene heaters)
  • Various sizes of step ladders (up to 18 to 20 feet) usually painted with green and brown paint