Crime & Safety

Police Bust $350,000 Pot Operation in Manhattan

Nhat Van Hoang had designed a basement space dedicated to cultivating cannabis. Hoang had been the subject of a six-month-long investigation by Will County Sheriff's police.

A Manhattan man was arrested Monday after Will County Sheriff's police uncovered an elaborate cannabis-growing operation at his residence.

Nhat Van Hoang, 53, had divided his basement into growing rooms—each containing elaborate electrical, venting, and irrigation systems—for 639 cannabis sativa plants, according to reports. Police also found a digital weigh scale, heat sealer and numerous boxes of heat sealed bags in the residence in the 25200 block of Spring Street in Manhattan.

Hoang was not home when the search warrant was executed, however he was taken into custody and arrested when surveillance officers observed him arriving at the residence the following day.  The arrest was the culmination of a six-month long investigation.

Manhattan police assisted the Sheriff’s Office with both the search warrant and the arrest. The cannabis plants have an approximate street value of $350,000.  A 2005 Acura SUV was also seized. 

Hoang was charged with production of cannabis sativa plants, possession of cannabis with intent to deliver and possession of drug equipment. He is being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility where bond has been set for $50,000.


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