Sterling Heights, Mich. (WXYZ) — A GFL garbage truck crashed into a building in Sterling Heights, revealing an illegal marijuana growing operation.
On Wednesday morning, the truck was heading south on Mound Road near 15 Mile Road. The vehicle by mistake had a red light and turned south on Mound Road, north of 15 Mile Road.
Police say the garbage truck had to overturn but still accidentally hit the vehicle and continued through the median on Mound Road. The garbage truck passed through lanes leading north of Mound Road, where the driver avoided oncoming traffic and hit the building.
Mike Palmery is the owner of the business next door, and his camera captured the moment, revealing a rogue operation. “We knew there was something next door, but we were neighbors who kept to ourselves. But when the shopkeepers weren’t cooking, you could smell them,” said Mike Palmery, owner of Palmery Concrete.
Mike said the smell coming from the building was pungent. “And any time after 10:30, it was gone. But if you were here at dusk or early in the morning, it smelled like fresh skunk all morning.”
Investigators present at the scene told 7 Action News that there were about 60 marijuana plants inside. This is one of the many illegal development works that the city has busted. According to officials, the building was being let out to two people. Seven Action News tried to get in touch with the owner of the building but only got a voicemail.
Police say this illegal development drive goes against state and local codes, posing a real threat to the building and its surrounding businesses.
And to Mike and his business, they say that when there is drug activity, so does crime. “If people want it and if they know it’s there. They’re going to get it one way or another. Especially with tough times, we’re doing it nowadays.”
Sterling Heights Police is actively investigating the matter.
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