I think non-drugged people can conclude for casual conversation, that this was a long time selling operation.
You have no idea where the tip came from, read the article.
I read every article on this case. They are trying to make the bust bigger than it is by flashing the “70 lbs” figure and implying that it is dry, processed pot. The 70lbs was for the whole plants as clearly stated in this article: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/05/06/pot-plants-found-growing-in-covered-over-pool-in-sw-dade/
In reality, 20 indoor plants are unlikely to be a selling operation. They would produce about 1 pound in 3-4 months. Exactly what people would grow for personal and friends’ use.
Plus, the price of pot has gone way down due to grow knowledge spread by the internet and legalization. The economics of such a small indoor grow make no sense for profit. The only people making money are the huge outdoor growers or high-end indoor growers who sell their product for more than gold through pot boutiques. This was neither.