Underground bunker converted to grow house in Tampa Wednesday, January 21, 2009 TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Tampa police detectives have discovered an underground ammunition bunker that was converted into a grow house in Tampa. On Friday police arrested and charged 37-year-old Gustavo Gonzalez, who they say was using the bunker. He was released on $40,000 bond. Police say 66 marijuana plants with an estimated worth of $200,000 were taken from the bunker. Detectives say the conversion of the former military bunker at 4107 N. Manhattan Ave. was one of the most elaborate schemes to grow marijuana they've seen. The Army Air Corps originally constructed 2,000-square-foot bunker. The bunker is now privately owned. Detectives say they only found the grow house after they received a tip. Authorities say power was being stolen from TECO for the residence and the bunker. In the 1930s the bunker was part of Drew Park, know as Drew Field, which was a private airport. In 1939 the city of Tampa leased it to the Army. It became Drew Army Airfield. It served as a base for B-17 bombers. Now, using an ex-WWII bunker for a grow-op take some balls
completely stupid. it takes the smallest amount of common sense to think... well shit... abandoned ammunition bunker sitting here... i PROBABLYYYYYY shouldnt grow pot in it because gee, somebody might just come by here...