LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Plants seized in the grow house raids.

Three people were arrested and nearly a quarter million dollar’s worth of marijuana was confiscated in Lehigh Acres on April 21.

Dubbed Operation Marijuana Mow Down, the three have been charged with cultivation of marijuana, trafficking in marijuana and owning renting a structure to manufacture drugs.

Sheriff Mike Scott said he promises more of the same “moving forward.”

“Our consistent and sustained focus on drug dealers in this county is stronger than ever, and three more thugs are now believers,” he said in a prepared statement.

Officials reported that the LCSO’s Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit and East District Selective Enforcement Team conducted the operation by getting search warrants for three separate residences.

Dany Morales

The three charged were: Dany Morales, 39, of 1114 Michael Ave.; Gustavo Paneca, 60, of 3103 E. 16th St.; and Juana Maria Delmarter-Scott, 60, a transient.

Investigators said they also hit a residence at 1018 E. Babe St., where they recovered harvested marijuana with a street value of $4,000. They said the location was set up to begin a new crop.

Nobody was home at the time and the investigation continues with more arrests coming, according to officials.

The second home detectives hit was at 1114 Michael Ave., where they discovered 60 marijuana plants. Weighing 133 pounds, they had a street value of $150,000.

The next house hit by detectives was at 3103 E. 16th St., where they discovered 38 marijuana plants. Weighing 48 pounds, they had a street value of $95,000.

Gustavo Paneca

According to a report, deputies seized 98 marijuana plants in total that weighed 181 pounds and had a street value of $249,000.

Juana Maria Delmarter-Scott