CORINNA, Maine — More than 3,700 illegal marijuana plants were confiscated Friday morning at a residence in Corinna.
A search warrant was obtained for the residence after a "lengthy multitown investigation," the sheriff's office said in a news release.
The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, as well as deputies and investigators, arrived at the residence on St. Albans Road, across from the Corrina Town Office building, around 9 a.m., and deputies remained on the scene until just after 3 p.m., according to Sheriff Troy Morton.
NEWS CENTER Maine crews at the scene said sheriffs began busting through sheetrock and walls of the home Friday afternoon, finding several marijuana plants growing inside. Workers from Corrina Public Works helped deputies confiscate several marijuana plants from the residence.
"High voltage exposed wires ran throughout the old home, chemicals were mixed and not safely secured, the living conditions were inhumane and approximately 3,770 marijuana plants were discovered," the release stated. "These conditions are not a representation of the many legal and safe businesses operating throughout our state."
Morton confirmed it was an illegal operation, similar to others they are seeing across Maine.
"During this investigation neighbors and citizens have reported being pressured to sell their properties, they've witnessed out of state vehicle traffic at all hours," the release said. "Some have reported smelling chemicals burning and in one case materials being buried in the ground."
"The citizens that live in and around them are absolutely frustrated. The calls that we've received over the past two weeks are heartbreaking to hear what these folks have been through," Morton told NEWS CENTER Maine. "Whether it's intimidation to sell their properties, that they smell chemicals burning... because this has been such a blatant thing...not even 50 yards from the town office — a drug-free zone," Morton said.
Deputies said resources are being utilized to help minimize additional danger to the community.
No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security, Maine Department of Environmental Protection Agency, Corinna Fire Department, Corinna Public Works, Maine Marijuana Compliance, and Cannabis Policy Agency assisted.
For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.