Drug raid nets largest marijuana seizure in New Kent County history

Marijuana plants and equipment used to grow the plants are placed outside the Lanexa house that was raided Monday morning.

New Kent Sheriff's Office photo

Law enforcement officers raided a house in the Lanexa area of New Kent around 9:45 this morning (Monday), uncovering what is being described as a “professional” marijuana growing operation and the largest illegal drug seizure of its kind in county history.

Inside the residence at 1476 South Waterside Drive, authorities discovered a sophisticated, complex operation complete with hidden doorways and grow rooms in the home’s basement. They also seized more than 500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Street value has not been ascertained at this time.

“As far as the number of plants and the quality of the grow, I’d say it’s our biggest marijuana bust by far. [The growing operation] was a real professional job,” said New Kent Sheriff F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr.

Sheriff’s personnel arrested the house’s resident, Daniel Ray Norwood, 54, without incident. New Kent Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin said the suspect is being held without bond pending arraignment tomorrow (Tuesday) in New Kent General District Court on one felony count each of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana (more than five pounds) with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm while in possession of marijuana.

“The investigation is continuing, and there could be additional charges against other individuals, but none have been placed at this time,” McLaughlin said.

Norwood apparently lived alone at the two-story, 2,800 square-foot house. McLaughlin said he was told the suspect is in the process of seeking a divorce and has an adult son and daughter.

Two other people, who were not identified, were visiting the house at the time of the raid, but were not arrested, McLaughlin said. He added that Norwood has resided in New Kent for close to 15 years.

The chief deputy said house’s basement contained an elaborate operation with marijuana plants in multiple grow rooms concealed behind false walls and hidden doorways. The rooms were outfitted with lights, hydroponics, and timers along with fertilizer and other equipment. Upstairs, investigators seized several firearms — all rifles and no handguns — kept inside a gun safe.

The house, which is not visible from the road, has a gated driveway, and there were several surveillance cameras on the premises, McLaughlin added.

McLaughlin said the raid climaxed a lengthy investigation, adding, “[Norwood] had been on our detectives’ radar for about two years.”

New Kent sheriff’s personnel led the raid assisted by two State Police tactical units, three State Police armored personnel carriers, and federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents, McLaughlin said. Altogether, close to 50 officers took part in the raid.

“Because of the situation and in an operation like this, we normally expect firearms at the location,” he said, commenting on the number of personnel and units employed.

Law enforcement personnel remained on the scene until almost 4 p.m.