Illegal Cannabis Grow Operation Discovered During Bronx Eviction

A routine eviction at a Pelham Parkway South apartment building turned into a major narcotics investigation Tuesday after authorities discovered nearly 300 marijuana plants inside a unit, forcing an evacuation of the building.

New York City marshals entered apartment 1V at 750 Pelham Parkway South near Holland Avenue in the East Bronx when they uncovered an elaborate illegal grow house. Investigators said they found approximately 300 pounds of cannabis plants, THC flowers, along with growing canisters and chemicals.

The New York City Sheriff’s Office confirmed the unit had been equipped with special ventilation, irrigation, and lighting systems specifically designed to cultivate the plants. Investigators added that the electrical power output had been illegally altered to sustain the operation.

A total of 299 plants were confiscated from the five-room apartment. No arrests have been made, as nobody was home when police arrived.

Neighbors living directly next to the unit expressed shock at the revelation.

“I’ve been living here for seven years, and I’ve never seen nobody come in or come out of that specific apartment,” said Vasquez, who resides next door to apartment 1V and shares a wall with the unit. “It was like so shocking and like out of nowhere. I can’t even believe that. I would have never expected that.”

She added, “We’ve never seen their face. Who they were or anything, never seen them. And it was very shocking.”

Other residents described the occupant of apartment 1V as a ghost who seemingly never entered or exited the premises.

Authorities have posted a vacate order outside the building as the investigation continues. Police are actively searching for the person they say is responsible for the illegal operation.