Cops Raid a Marijuana Growing Operation in Norwalk

Norwalk police Thursday raided a "sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation" on Edlie Avenue after receiving a tip that the homeowner was growing pot in his basement.

Authorities seized a total of 158 pot plants of various sizes, several gallons of fertilizer and growing supplements in Matthew Rysz's basement. The pot growing operation in Rysz's basement also included high-powered lights, an irrigation and drainage system, and high-powered ventilation machines, according to police.

Though the seized plants were of varying sizes, most of them were mature and ready for harvesting.

"This was an individual with a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation," said Norwalk Police Lt. Jim Walsh. "He had customers in the city."

The arrest was the second major marijuana bust in Norwalk Thursday. In a separate incident, Norwalk police arrested a California man who sent 14 pounds pot to an address in Norwalk and then flew to Connecticut to retrieve it.

Rysz was charged with possession of a hallucinogen of more than four ounces, illegal manufacture and distribution of marijuana, illegal cultivation of marijuana, operation of a drug factory and related charges.

He posted a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Aug. 2.