Canabis grow room discovered in unincorporated Tinley Park house.
Bond has been set at $50,000 each for two Tinley Park men accused of running a million dollar cannabis grow operation, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Thursday.
(Left to right) Christopher Gecan, 27, Darlene Gecan, 52, John Gecan, 52, and James Osmolski, 22, mug shot photos after arrest at a home in unincorporated Tinley Park (Cook County Sheriff’ Office).
John Gecan, 52, and his son Christopher Gecan, 27, have been charged with production of cannabis (50–200 plants), possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (<1,999 grams) and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (2,000+ grams). Darlene Gecan, 52, has been charged with production of cannabis (50–200 plants). She received a bond of $25,000. James Osmolski, 22, has been charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (30 – 499 grams) and production of cannabis (50–200 plants). Osmolski received a $50,000 bond. All reside on the 5300 block of West 175th Street in unincorporated Tinley Park. Osmolski is a relative of the Gecans.
Detectives with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office South Narcotics Unit began investigating the Gecans in December, after interdicting a package containing cannabis buds addressed to the couple’s home. After further investigation, detectives set up a sting operation at the Tinley Park house.
On Tuesday, December 14th, Christopher and John Gecan received the shipment of cannabis, and officers placed them both under arrest. During the arrest, detectives smelled a strong odor of cannabis emitting from the house and saw drug paraphernalia, including marijuana pipes and a grinder used for cannabis, in plain view in the garage.
Inside the Gecan’s 7,000 sq. ft. house, investigators found dozens of cannabis plants, along with a sophisticated marijuana cultivation operation. Police removed approximately 97 cannabis plants, 2,960 grams of cannabis, $7,511.00 in cash and a small amount of cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs is $1,043,000.
Drying area showing thermometer and hygrometer attention to detail (Cook County Sheriff’s Office photo).
The Gecan’s operated a meticulous cannabis business and cultivated an unusually high-quality product. A large section of the home’s basement accommodated the grow operation, and blended into the rest of the home. A dummy wall concealed several rooms designated for the different stages of cannabis cultivation, all retrofitted with insulation, automatic temperature control, dehumidifiers and elaborate ventilation system with air filtration. As a result of the Gecan’s careful cultivation, some of their cannabis plants were six feet tall. Prices ranged from $40 for a quarter ounce of regular marijuana to $4,409 for a pound of “primo” marijuana. The family used charts and computers to track production, harvesting and pricing.
In addition to the drugs, police recovered lighting fixtures, irrigation tables, fertilizer and indoor hydroponic equipment from the home.
The Gecans and Osmolski appeared in Bridgeview bond court Thursday. Their next court date is January 10, 2011, at the 5th District, Bridgeview Courthouse.
Cook County Sheriff’s office showing grow house lights and fans for ventilation.
Bagged marijuana (Cook County Sheriff’ Office photo).
Canabis plant over 36-inches tall (Cook County Sheriff’ Office photo).