Hydroponic Marijuana Lab Shutdown In Lafayette

Yesterday (Monday) the Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force arrested 30 year old Phillip Hernandez and charged him with cultivation of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Agents raided a home at 210 Rural Street in Lafayette and seized 18 hydroponic marijuana plants. The marijuana plants were being grown in three fully equipped portable hydroponic growth chambers.

Hydroponic marijuana has a significantly higher street value than soil grown marijuana because of higher yields and shorter growing periods. Potential street value of the the hydroponic marijuana seized is approximately $54,000. Also seized was a safe with an undetermined amount of currency and a MAC 11 pistol.