Man arrested in marijuana grow operation.
Police arrested one man Tuesday after detectives discovered an elaborate marijuana grow operation inside his home.
Joseph Cory Scalise, 43, of 241 Mud Run Road, has been charged after police say a hit-and-run investigation led them to sus- pect marijuana was in his home.
According to a release from the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation began when a hit-and-run accident took place involving a vehicle that was registered to Scalise. As part of the investigation, officers when to Scalise’s address and met with him. While meeting with Scalise, police said they detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside the home. Police then notified the Drug Task Force.
When the Drug Task Force arrived, officers obtained a consent search waiver allowing them to conduct a search of the home. During that time, police discovered the grow operation inside the home. Police said the house appeared from the outside to be a normal family dwelling but that inside there was an elaborate setup allowing for the planting, growing, harvesting, cleaning, packaging and preparation for the distribution of marijuana. Police said grow lights, vents and fans throughout the house.
Officers seized 246 marijuana plants, four plastic storage bins containing large amount of marijuana buds, additional amounts of processed marijuana stored in mason jars, four handguns, one rif le and a stock of ammunition as well as numerous items of paraphernalia for growing and packaging marijuana.
Scalise surrendered to police at 3 p.m. on Oct. 21 and was transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
Scalise has been charged with possession with intent to deliver, manufacture of marijuana and possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia.