AURORA, Ill. (WGN) — A house fire response in Aurora led authorities to the discovery of a large-scale illegal marijuana grow operation, according to the city’s police department.
Just after 7:20 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, first responders in Aurora arrived in the 1800 block of Ashwood Lane following a reported structure fire. Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the small flames, which authorities say were visible near the home’s front entrance.
Investigators surveying the scene after fire crews fully extinguished the flames came across signs of a cannabis grow operation, grow lights, and altered electrical equipment inside the home.
As a result, police detained 32-year-old Ryan Prey of Aurora, the homeowner, and his 20-year-old male roommate.
Amid the execution of a search warrant, investigators allegedly seized:
- 330 cannabis plants
- 23,586 grams of cannabis (just under 52 pounds; does not include additional jars and containers still pending final weight)
- Drug packaging materials/equipment and numerous cell phones
Prey faces multiple drug felony charges, including:
- Manufacturing and delivery of cannabis totaling more than 5,000 grams
- Producing or possessing more than 200 cannabis plants
- Possession of cannabis totalling more than 5,000 grams
Police released the 20-year-old male roommate without charges. Prey had visible facial injuries related to an incident in Chicago earlier in the day that were unrelated to the fire, police said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information should call the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.
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