Police: Operation Clean Sweep Nets Cannabis, Discovers Grow Operation

Naperville Police Department officials say they discovered a suspected cannabis grow operation this week, arresting two men and recovering more than a pound of cannabis, 46 marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia as the result of the sweep.

Since 2011, police calls increased more than 124 percent in the area of Testa and Encina drives and Jefferson Avenue, spurring police to conduct “Operation Clean Sweep” on Wednesday, said Sgt. Gregg Bell in a news release Friday afternoon. 

Along with the suspected cannabis and plants discovered at the home, two men were also arrested, police said.

Tyrone Townsend, 33, of the 100 block of Testa Drive, was charged with possession of cannabis, a Class 4 felony; production of cannabis, a Class 3 felony; and possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the life or health of a child, both Class A misdemeanors. Anthony DePasquale, 17, of the 300 block of North Sixth Street in Saint Charles, was charged with possession with intent to deliver 10 to 30 grams of cannabis, a Class 4 felony.

More than 30 members of the department responded to the area, including special response and K-9 units, Bell said in the news release.

During the sweep of the area, more than 20 vehicles were detained, resulting in a variety of contact with police from written warnings arrests in some cases, he said. Warrants were also executed to residents living in the area. A warrant was executed at the home of the suspected cannabis grow operation.

In addition to the arrests, warrants and recovery of cannabis, Naperville police said they also seized a vehicle from a driver who was found to be without insurance and driving while under a suspension for driving under the influence.