Marijuana Growing Operation Uncovered After Worcester Fire
WORCESTER (CBS) - Firefighters uncovered a marijuana growing operation in Worcester after a fire broke out in a first floor apartment on Cargill Street Thursday morning.
Firefighters were worried the fire had spread when they detected heat coming out of the second floor apartment. They broke down the door and found 15 to 20 pot plants growing inside.
WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod was outside when the man who rents that apartment came home.
"How's the second floor look," Trevor Amell asked. "Everything look alright? Or anyone been in there?"
Just a few moments later he fled down the street. He was picked up by police a few blocks away.
Inside Amell's apartment, police say they found plants in various stages of development which were located under a makeshift tent style greenhouse. Inside this tent setup were two large industrial lights and a ventilation system.
Neighbors had long suspected there was illegal activity in the apartment due to the steady stream of visitors. "There's a lot of stuff going on in there," said one woman, "there is not an Avon lady over there."
Police aren't sure if Amell was living in the apartment or if he was just using it to grow marijuana. He has been charged with possession and intent to distribute marijuana.
No one was injured in the fire.
