Marijuana growers could be using city house

WINCHESTER — City police are trying to determine if marijuana is being grown in a local residence.

A search warrant filed Thursday in Winchester Circuit Court states that a police Community Response Team member discovered the possible crime while responding Wednesday to the 1500 block of Fort Braddock Court to assist with a zoning and inspections case.

While inspecting work being performed for a plumbing installation, the CRT member “noticed a strong smell of marijuana” from the basement area of the residence.

The CRT member then found a locked room in the basement, as well as potting soil and buckets at the back of the residence.

“Your affiant knows marijuana growers to use buckets, potting soil and separate, locked room[s] to grow marijuana and conceal that grow in a locked or secured room or rooms,” the warrant states.

City police spokeswoman Lauren Cummings said the case is under investigation and that no charges have been placed.

Items confiscated from the home include multiple glass smoking devices with burnt residue, digital scales, green plant material, assorted pills, tablets and medications, and a film canister containing white powder.

— Contact Melissa Boughton at mboughton@winchesterstar.com