MARINA—A Marina couple was arrested last Thursday after police discovered that they were growing marijuana with the intent to distribute.  They arrested Marcelo Rola, 32, and his wife Natalie, 27, both of Marina.  Natalie is the niece of Pacific Grove’s Mayor Carmelita Garcia.

Marcelo Roma

A Marina Public Safety officer who was initially investigating a prowler call in the area of Monterey Bay Estates noticed what he thought was the making of marijuana grow house.  “As the officer got closer to the house he heard what sounded like an industrial fan,” Marina Public Safety Commander Bob Nolan said. “ These fans are usually used in growing operations.”

After receiving a search warrant, police entered the residence in the 300 block of Quebrada Del Mar Road and found approximately 100 maturing plants and a substantial drying operation in the garage.  Police arrested the owners of the residence and booked them into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of cultivating and distributing marijuana for sale.

“Even with a medical marijuana card anymore than 12 plants total, six mature and six saplings, is considered growing with the intent to sale,”  Commander Nolan added.  This is the third such incident within the past several years.

Natalie Rola

Police believe that this is a sign of the economic distress in the area as people look for different ways to supplement their income.  Like many other cities, the city of Marina has had its share of foreclosures. This in turn makes it a prime target to set up “grow houses”.

According to Homefinder.com there are 83 homes in the Marina city limits that are for sale due to foreclosure.  “As people walk away from their homes, others look upon this as an opportunity to buy at cheaper rates and turn them into grow houses,” Commander Nolan said.

Marina Police is asking that anyone suspecting the illegal cultivation of marijuana or the manufacturing of illicit drugs within their neighborhood to please contact the Marina Police Department at 831-884-1210.

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