An Orangeville area resident is one of three men charged after the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau uncovered large marijuana grow operations in Grey County last week.

On Wednesday, April 7, warrants were executed at two properties; one on Grey Road 4 east of Durham and another on Grey Road 31, northeast of Feversham.

Police say the combined estimated potential street value of the cannabis marihuana seized at the properties exceeds $11 million. Police also allege that electricity was being stolen. A large quantity of lights and related hydroponics’ equipment were seized at both locations.

The three appeared in court Thursday, April 8 and were released on $100,000 bail, without deposit, and will appear in court May 20.

Itolo Mallozzi of Orangeville, Joe Gianfrancesco of Mississauga, and Christopher Poersch of Southgate Township have been charged with offences related to the production of marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking, as well as charges related to the theft of electricity.

The OPP drug enforcement unit members were assisted at both locations by uniformed and crime unit members from Grey County OPP, the Grey County OPP Canine Unit and members of the OPP west region emergency response Team.

West Grey police officers also assisted at the West Grey location.

Police say they also uncovered a large and sophisticated indoor marijuana grow operation in the rural home at the West Grey property. More than 5,300 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized which police say would have an estimated potential street value in excess of $5 million.

Also seized was approximately 100 pounds of marijuana bud and 300 pounds of marijuana leaves and stems with an estimated potential street value of close to $1 million.

At a Grey Highlands farm, a similar-sized indoor marijuana grow was found in a large outbuilding. Again, police say more than 5,300 marijuana plants in various stages of growth with an estimated potential street value in excess of $5 million were seized.

Also seized were approximately 60 pounds of marijuana bud and 450 pounds of marihuana leaves and stems with an estimated value exceeding $125,000.