3,400+ Pot Plants Seized from Huge Illegal Grow House in Maine

Maine law enforcement officials have shut down a sophisticated illegal marijuana operation in Carmel.

Where Was the Operation Found?

It was around 8:00 Thursday morning when members of the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, the Office of Cannabis Policy, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency arrived at a location on Route 2 in Carmel to serve a search warrant. That warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation into the illegal growing of marijuana.

How Much Illegal Pot Was Seized?

During the execution of that warrant, officials seized over 3,400 individual marijuana plants, as well as another 111 pounds of processed marijuana. Several non-Maine residents were arrested, at that time.

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According to a post on the Penobscot County SO's Facebook page, this large operation was a danger to, not only those involved in the process, but also to residents in the area.

This large operation undermines both medical and recreational Maine companies who are professionally licensed and following appropriate standards and requirement in the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana.

In a statement, Carmel Town Officials expressed their gratitude to the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department.

The Town of Carmel has not opted in to allow commercial growth, cultivation, or sale of marijuana and so to see actions that were taken to enforce this illegal activity and our local rules are being upheld is encouraging.

While non-Maine residents were arrested at the site, officials say the operation was organized by people who live in Maine who are not licensed or permitted and who were not following safety protocols.

Isn't It Legal to Grow Marijuana in Maine?

It is legal in Maine for an unlicensed private citizen, age 21 or over, to grow up to 3 flowering plants, as long as those plants are located at the person's home. In addition, adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of a combination of cannabis, cannabis concentrate and cannabis products, including no more than 5 grams of cannabis concentrate.