FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Officials have arrested two men after a drug bust at a pair of Fort Lauderdale-area homes left several officers exposed to CO2 gas, Thursday morning.
According to authorities, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fort Lauderdale Police simultaneously executed a narcotic-related search warrant in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park.
The Fort Lauderdale SWAT team raided the Fort Lauderdale home at 1442 NE 56th Court, where hazardous material was found inside.
Deputies said the search warrant was issued because the homes were suspected of being a marijuana growhouse.
Officials seized 400 marijuana plants, with an estimated street value of half a million dollars, from the two homes.
Police arrested 28-year-old Eric Lubin and 33-year-old Brian Delsandro, both charged with drug trafficking.
“This was a major operation. It was a dangerous operation,” said Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Joy Oglesby.
During the raid, seven Fort Lauderdale officers were exposed to CO2 and evaluated by the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Hazmat team. They’re all expected to be OK.
Bomb squad units also responded to the scene as a precaution.
Neighbors in the area were asked to either stay inside or leave their homes.
“Boom, boom, boom, and they said that I had to get out of here,” said Deb, who lives in the area.
Alex Jean, a resident in the area, was surprised to see this type of activity in his neighborhood.
“Pretty peaceful, nice neighborhood,” he said. “We get the typical cop drive through here, but nothing like this.”
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