A Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team investigation netted charges against two Centralia residents after law enforcement officers claim they found 625 marijuana plants growing in a residence on Maple Valley Drive.
Most recently, Ling Ling Huang, 35, of Centralia has been charged with one count each of manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture or deliver. Court documents indicate both charges are class C felonies punishable with up to five years behind bars and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.
Huang’s husband, Jiewei Hu, 36, faces the same charges. Hu was charged in June.
Court documents indicate that Huang failed to appear at her Tuesday preliminary hearing, after being issued a summons. A warrant was issued for her arrest that same day.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Lewis County Superior Court, JNET received information from a source unspecified in court documents that marijuana was being grown in a residence in the 1400 block of Maple Valley Drive.
An investigation ensued, revealing that Huang and Hu had purchased the house. Court documents indicate that the two were seen erecting a tall fence around the house, and power records showed a sharp spike in electricity consumption after Huang took ownership.
On June 27, a detective in the area reported smelling the odor of marijuana coming from the house, according to the affidavit. The next day, law enforcement obtained a search warrant. Hu was the only person home when officers arrived, and he allegedly stated that there was a marijuana growing operation going on inside.
A search revealed, beside 625 plants growing in seven separate growing rooms, plastic storage bins containing around 42 pounds of dried pot and around 30 pounds of trimmings.
The equipment in the house was indicative of a “sophisticated grow,” according to court documents.
Hu said he only worked to maintain the plants, according to court documents, and denied selling any marijuana. He also said Huang worked as a maid in a Seattle hotel.
