Power Diversion Investigation Leads To Pot Bust

By Matt Wiley

A power diversion investigation has led to the discovery of a marijuana growing operation in Wesley Chapel.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), on August 12 at 3:45 p.m., a deputy responded to a call about power diversion (bypassing a power meter to avoid electricity charges) at 4821 Foxwood Dr. in Wesley Chapel. When the deputy arrived, he spoke with supervisors from the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC).

After inspecting the power meter to the home, the WREC workers determined that two “hot” wires were, indeed, bypassing the electrical meter. Contact was made with the retired homeowner, Roy F. Airas, 62, a non-U.S. citizen born in Cuba. Following his arrest, Airas admitted to rigging the wires himself. He also admitted that he had done so to power his marijuana growing operation inside the home.

PCSO reports that the scent of marijuana could be smelled in the open air outside of the residence. Airas told deputies about the two growing locations inside the home, and the deputies then proceeded to search the residence. They found lights, fans, carbon dioxide, power fixtures, air conditioners, time clocks and 152 marijuana plants.

In addition, deputies also seized a .38 revolver, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and .22 rifle, as well as “ample” ammunition, which Arias said he used for protection. Airas also was found to have 0.4 grams of cocaine in his left sock. He told deputies that he grew and sold marijuana as a supplemental form of income, but that the cocaine was for personal use. However, after the deputies also found a scale and sifter, Airas admitted to selling cocaine to his friends.

Airas has been charged with armed trafficking in marijuana, possession of cocaine and utility service theft. He remains in custody at the Land O’Lakes Detention Center in lieu of a $55,150 bond.