WASHINGTON —Howard County police have charged two renters living in a home in Ellicott City, Maryland, with multiple marijuana and firearms counts after discovering a “sophisticated” set up where the pair is accused of manufacturing, producing and distributing the drug.
Casey Ann Fowler, 48, and Daniel Earl Sims, 48, were charged with running what police say is the largest-ever indoor marijuana growing operation in the home they rented in the 14300 block of Tridelphia Road in Ellicott City.
The pair were discovered by the home’s new owner after it was recently sold at an auction. He contacted police after stopping by the house and seeing an unknown van parked in the driveway. When police arrived, they detected a strong odor of fresh marijuana from the driveway of the house.
After searching the main floor, detectives discovered an amber-colored paste known as THC used to create concentrated “dabs” of waxy or solid marijuana concentrate, along with suspected crack cocaine, heroin, prescription pills and a shotgun.
In the basement, police found a growing operation of hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of growth being tended to with ventilation, lighting, and watering systems. Police posted a video of the growing operation on their Facebook page.
Police also seized marijuana they say was packaged in a way consistent with the intent to distribute, a scale, and more than $75,000 in case.
Fowler was released from the Howard County Detention Center on $50,000 bond. Sims was being held in lieu of $45,000 bail.
Howard County police are encouraging anyone with information about drug activity to call the Drug Tip Line at 410-290-DRUG.
