Cape Coral police say they shut down a marijuana and THC wax/oil operation near Mariner high and middle schools.
Detectives with the Vice, Investigation and Narcotics Unit had conducted several controlled buys at 702 NW 17th Ave. from Matthew Hermanns, 35, of Cape Coral.
They obtained a search warrant for the home, and Wednesday, the VIN Unit and department's SWAT Team searched the residence.
Officers said they recovered approximately 9.5 pounds of marijuana, 664 grams of marijuana wax, numerous vials of THC oil, a firearm and ammunition, paraphernalia used to manufacture marijuana wax, and numerous items used to package and transport marijuana.
"As always we are very proud of the work done by the VIN Unit in eliminating yet another source of illegal drugs that brings not only the substance itself, but the potential for violence as evidenced by the discovery of a firearm and ammunition in the hands of a felon," said Cpl. Phil Mullen, a department public affairs officer.
"The fact that this was within 1,000 feet of a school makes this bust even more critical and important."
Hermanns was arrested for several felony charges. They also Tyler Ott, 25, of Cape Coral. THey remained in Lee County Jail this afternoon. Ott had bond set at $16,500 on three charges.
Hermanns was set at $61,000 on 10 charges. He has had eight previous arrests in Lee County dating to 2004.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. The wax is concentrated, and users believe it leads to a quicker, stronger high.
While marijuana may contain anywhere between 15 to 18 percent THC, hash oil can contain up to 80 or 90 percent, sobercollege.com reports.