(Big brother at work)

Aerial surveillance, thermal images used in Pa. drug probe

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Federal agents said after nine months of stakeouts, phone taps and aerial surveillance they have begun rounding up a marijuana and ecstasy distribution network stretching from Canada to North Carolina.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided suspected marijuana growing and stash houses Tuesday in Philadelphia and Berks County and arrested nine Vietnamese defendants.

Technology played a role, with thermal images and electricity use patterns leading agents to an alleged indoor pot growing site in Sinking Spring near Reading.

Federal court papers accused the defendants of distributing 60,000 ecstasy pills and 100 pounds of marijuana this year.

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.philly.com

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 13664.html