The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit has arrested three people in Lehigh Acres in connection with a grow house operation.

They include:

Roberto Cardoso, 60, Miami, charged with possession of equipment used to manufacture marijuana.

Amaury Heirro-Fernandez, 36, Lehigh Acres, charged with marijuana cultivation, trafficking in marijuana and possession of equipment used to manufacture marijuana.

Jose Yasmany Marquez Herenandez, 23, Lehigh Acres, charged with marijuana cultivation, trafficking in marijuana, and possession of equipment used to manufacture marijuana.

Officials said that on September 14 while following up on a tip, detectives with the Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on a truck pulling a trailer. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered numerous items utilized to cultivate marijuana inside the trailer. These items included light hoods for high voltage light bulbs, high powered light bulbs, fans, electrical ballast utilized to supply an additional power source to a residence, potting soil, and foam cubed blocks utilized for immature plants without a root system.

The investigation led deputies to 3813 6th Street SW, Lehigh Acres. At the home, detectives said they recognized indicators of a possible marijuana cultivation operation including alterations to the electrical mast. Detectives attempted to make contact with the owner. When the resident exited the home detectives were hit with an overwhelming smell of marijuana, officials said. A search warrant was obtained and a large marijuana cultivation operation was located in a bedroom within the residence, officials said.

Detectives seized 25 plants weighing 159 pounds and valued at approximately $75,000. Ten high voltage light bulbs were also taken into evidence. Detectives have impounded the Ford F-250 Diesel 4×4 and the 18-foot. enclosed trailer and will pursue forfeiture proceedings on both, officials said.