Deputies serving warrant on accused heroin dealer find marijuana operation in Youngwood
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As Westmoreland County sheriff’s deputies served an arrest warrant Thursday to a suspected heroin dealer in Youngwood, they reported stumbling upon a marijuana growing and distribution operation as well.
Justin Bialowis, 31, was wanted by Greensburg police following a heroin distribution and drug paraphernalia arrest last month, Sheriff Jon Held said.
“We received information that Mr. Bialowis was living at a residence on Burton Avenue. After our deputies arrived, no one initially answered the door, but just as they were about to leave they saw a window open and shut, indicating he was in there,” Held said.
Sgt. Irvin Shipley said deputies believe Bialowis was getting ready to flee. However, when deputies were let inside about 7:15 a.m., they discovered “two full rooms in the home containing a marijuana grow operation.”
“When the deputies were standing on the front porch, they could smell the odor of marijuana,” Held said.
Bialowis and his girlfriend, Sarah Porterfield, 27, are being held in the county jail as deputies completed criminal complaints, Held said.
Deputies were still processing the amount of contraband, but Shipley reported they confiscated at least 12 plants, “a quarter pound” of high-quality processed marijuana, marijuana edibles including brownies, grow lights, fans, a rifle, a knife, “a number of exotic-type marijuana seeds” and multiple marijuana smoking bongs and pipes.
Shipley said Greensburg constable Shawn Miller assisted at the scene.
“We believe he was selling marijuana to bankroll his heroin distribution operation,” Held said.