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WALPOLE, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — Firefighters got more than they bargained for when they responded to a house fire in Walpole Tuesday when they uncovered an alleged marijuana growing operation.
They stumbled across nearly 200 pot plants while responding to a basement fire in the small white home on the dead end Burrill Street.Authorities say that the man living there, Patrick Meleo, told authorities he sold the marijuana to make ends meet. Wires were reportedly found throughout the house that were used to power lights to grow the marijuana.
Meleo, a cabinet maker, from appeared in court to face a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. During his arraignment, the prosecution told the judge that Meleo was once licensed to grow the pot. He was supposed to have six plants.
Maleo has been ordered held on $500 bail on a charge of possession with intent to distribute
Neighbors tell WBZ NewsRadio’s Kim Tunniclife that there was always a lot of traffic coming and going from the house.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.