Police Department News Release

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
News Release 07/254/9999/CSN (1)
September 14, 2007

Large Marijuana Bust and Gun Seizure

Members of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Narcotics Division seized marijuana worth an estimated street value of $120,000 and several guns while serving search warrants on two homes in the Fairfax and Centreville areas. There were approximately 80 live marijuana plants in various stages of growth. The larger plants were 4 to 5 feet tall. Marijuana, records, documents and 12 guns, including four handguns, seven rifles and a machine gun with a suppressor were also seized.

The home was protected inside and out by a security system that included cameras and motion detectors. The entrance to the grow operation in the basement was hidden inside a closet built to conceal the stairs down to the hidden grow operation. Both search warrants were executed on Tuesday, September 11 after information was obtained on the grow operation during an investigation. The first home, located at 7001 Union Mill Road, was believed to house the main marijuana grow operation. The second search warrant was served at 11721 Swartz Drive. Chris Rouse, 52, lives at the Swartz Drive home and rents the home on Union Mill Road. He was arrested on Wednesday, September 12 when he turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. He was charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Photo of Rouse Photo of stairs