Two charged with producing marijuana
A man and woman are accused of growing marijuana inside of a rental house in Cape Coral.
Guillermo Abreu, 28, and Meivys Escano, 29, both of 2014 N.W. 25th Place, were arrested and charged over the weekend with one count each of marijuana producing, drugs produce possess structure vehicle know drugs manufactured minor present and opium or derivative traffic 4 grams to under 30 kilograms.
They were each additionally charged with three counts of drug equipment possess and or use.
As of Tuesday, Abreu and Escano had been released from the Lee County Jail on $69,500 bond each.
Neither could not be reached for comment on the allegations against them.
At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Cape police received numerous calls about a fire at 2014 N.W. 25th Place. According to officials, police and fire units responded to find two vehicles parked in the residence’s driveway involved in a fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire, which is believed to be suspicious.
Fearing toxic gases from the fire may have intruded into the home, police and fire personnel tried to make contact with the residents. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, the units forced entry into the house to conduct a safety sweep and ensure no victims were inside overcome by the smoke or gases.
The residence was unoccupied, but a marijuana grow operation was found, officials reported.
While the units were still on scene, Abreu and Escano returned to the house.
According to officials, an investigation revealed that the two began renting the residence about two months ago. Police also learned that Escano has a child, 10, who has been residing at the home.
At the time of incident, the child was reportedly with a relative in Fort Myers.
A search of the house resulted in the seizure of 27 marijuana plants – 16.6 pounds – and 50 Oxycodone pills, as well as multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia used for marijuana cultivation.
Abreu reportedly told detectives that the marijuana plants were his, and that he had recently begun to start growing. He also said he was probably going to sell some of it, but that he was not sure how.
Abreu and Escano said the Oxycodone belonged to a sick relative of Escano, a report states.
Both were taken into custody and transported to the jail.
Abreu and Escano have court appearances scheduled for Sept. 29.