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Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald
Pierce County
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South Prairie man charged for marijuana operation

By DANNIE OLIVEAUX
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter
Jul 23 2009

A 52-year-old man was charged July 17 in Pierce County Superior Court after sheriff's deputies found a large, underground marijuana-growing operation near South Prairie, according to court documents.

Documents state deputies arrested Greg A. Riffero of South Prairie on June 24.

Prosecuting Attorney Greg Horne charged Riffero with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver while armed with a firearm.

Deputies received tips from two neighbors and an anonymous source that Riffero was growing marijuana on his property in the 13200 block of 225th Avenue East.

Deputies viewed thermal images of the property and obtained electical records, the court document stated. Results of a search warrant found a majority of the operation was inside underground "Sealand" shipping containers buried and accessible through an attached garage.

Deputies found 288 starter marijuana plants, 87 adult pants, fertilizers, grow lights, temperature regulators, fans, pots, ballasts, dehumidifers and other equipment related to marijuana production, the documents stated.

Deputies also found $2,750 cash on Riffero, a handgun, shotgun and two SKS rifles.

Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter Dannie Oliveaux can be reached at doliveaux@courierherald.com.
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