380 Pounds of Pot Confiscated in Englewood Raid
Erwin Kupi charged with felony pot production, possession
Over 380 pounds of pot, which police say has a street value of over $2.5 million, was collected following a raid on a storefront in Englewood on Thursday.
Acting on complaints from the neighbors about drug deals at the address, police executed two search warrants in the 800 block of West 71st Street.
Police video shows an elaborate growing operation with lamps, vetilation and fertilizer.
Several garbage bags full of marijuana in different stages of production were taken, as well as over 400 marijuana plants. Police said they also found an unregistered handgun.
Erwin Kupi, 35, was arrested and charged with felony production of cannabis and two felony counts of possession of cannabis. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for having no firearm owner’s identification card and failing to register the gun.
"I never hear nothing like that," said neighbor Nikindra Collier. "I think that's very sad because there's too many kids in this community. There's of enough of drugs and guns, and we just want to stop the violence around here. So, whoever was growing that marijuana, I'm glad you're locked up."
Posted Friday, Dec 4, 2009 - 1:46 PM CST
