Lehigh Grow House Bust
On Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at approximately 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were assisting the East Lee County Water Control District in Lehigh Acres when several indicators of a grow house operation were identified at a residence located at 944 Ardmore Street, Lehigh Acres. Due to the nature of the situation, members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit assumed the investigation. A search warrant for the residence was obtained while detectives conducted surveillance on the home.
On Thursday, October 8, 2009, at approximately 10:40 a.m., investigators conducted a traffic stop for running a stop sign on two individuals seen leaving the home, Rafael Borrel and Noralia Sosa. In addition to the driving violation, Borrel was cited for not wearing his seatbelt. Detectives then executed the search warrant on the residence, leading to the discovery of sixty marijuana plants worth an estimated $240,000 in street value.
By means of investigation, detectives were able to determine that both Borrel and Sosa were responsible for the grow house operation.
Rafael Antonio Borrel (DOB 1/21/60), of 1418 Forrester Avenue, Orlando, has been charged with trafficking in marijuana, marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana producing equipment.
Noralia Sosa (DOB 8/6/60), of 1418 Forrester Avenue, Orlando, has also been charged with trafficking in marijuana, marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana producing equipment.
Both individuals have been transported to the Lee County Jail for booking. Booking photos will be available on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.sheriffleefl.org under
Arrest & Inmates / Search Lee County Arrests after processing.
Members of the Bonita Narcotics Section, Pharmaceutical Investigative Law Enforcement Strategy (PILS) Section and Bravo District deputies assisted with the operation.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Department