DPS Breaks Up Indoor Marijuana Grow Operation AUSTIN, October 20, 2009 - Three separate Austin-area residences involved in a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation were raided Wednesday by DPS, resulting in the arrest of four men and the seizure of 251 high-grade marijuana plants. In addition to the plants, more than 10 pounds of harvested marijuana and three handguns were seized. The marijuana is worth more than $320,000. The DPS Criminal Investigations Division and local law enforcement were involved in the seizures.

The elaborate hydroponic marijuana grow operations produce a higher grade of marijuana, with a stronger THC content. DPS is seeing an increase in these indoor grow operations.

Those arrested include:

Jake Redden, DOB 10-27-1986, Manor
Joel Redden, DOB 12-27-1983, Manor
Ronald Kinsell, DOB 11-2-1981, Austin
Ryan Sansom, DOB 8-24-1981, Austin

Earlier this month, 643 indoor plants were seized from two indoor grow sites in Austin. It is unknown if the two operations were related. The investigation continues.

If anyone has information on suspected marijuana cultivation, they are urged to call a DPS toll free hotline, 1-800-868-6274.