Two Illinois men were arrested after Racine County drug agents found 90 marijuana plants and more than 30 pounds of marijuana in an unoccupied home on Racine’s north side.
At about 3 p.m. Friday, Racine County Metro Drug Unit agents executed a search warrant at 2037 Erie St. Agents had developed information in October that the residence was unoccupied and was being used as a marijuana grow house, according to a Racine County Sheriff’s Office release issued Monday.
Agents were conducting surveillance when two men with Illinois vehicle registration left the residence. Both men were detained and later identified as 59-year-old Joseph McCarthy and 34-year-old Christopher Neeve, both of Zion, Ill.
A search reportedly revealed that the residence was being used for a marijuana grow operation; agents found 90 marijuana plants in pots. Seventy-five of the plants had just been harvested with the finished product hanging and drying, totaling 34.5 pounds.
“These two drug-dealing thugs have set up shop in our community for the sole purpose of cultivating their dirty business to turn a profit,” stated Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. “I understand the difference of opinions as it relates to the possession and use of marijuana in this country. However, illegal is illegal.”
McCarthy and Neeve were both arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to deliver; manufacturing THC, between 50 and 100 plants; and keeping a drug trafficking place.
Both men were being held in the Racine County Jail Monday.
