Police Seize 158 Marijuana Plants From Norwalk Home

NORWALK, Conn. – A Norwalk man was charged with operating an “elaborate” marijuana growing operation in his basement Thursday, police say.

Plants ranging from seedlings to those ready for harvest were seized from an Edlie Avenue house in Norwalk on Thursday.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police*

Matthew Rysz, 40, of Edlie Avenue was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, operating a drug factory and other charges by Norwalk Police on Thursday.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police*

by Greg Canuel

07/26/2013 11:30 a.m.

Investigators received information that Matthew Rysz, 40, was growing marijuana at his Edlie Avenue home, according to police reports. After more investigation, officers found a hydroponic system in the house’s basement, police say.

The growing system included high-powered lights, an irrigation and drainage system and a high-powered ventilation unit to manage the smell and the heat from the lamps, according to police reports. Fertilizer and growth supplements were also found in the basement, police say.

Police confiscated 158 marijuana plants from the basement, ranging in age from full maturity to seedlings, according to a press release. Investigators believe that Rysz had been selling marijuana to customers in Norwalk, police say.

Rysz was arrested and charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, operating a drug factory, illegal manufacture and distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and drug sales and possession within 1,500 feet of a school. He was held on $15,000 bond and is due in court on Aug. 2.

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