Almost 200 Marijuana Plants Seized From Walpole Home After Fire

WALPOLE, MA — A house fire on Burrill Street Tuesday morning turned into a massive drug bust after firefighters discovered almost 200 marijuana plants in the basement, according to police. Patrick Meleo, 45, was charged with intent to distribute a Class D substance. He was arraigned in Wrentham District Court Tuesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Meleo told police he grew the marijuana strictly for medical use, but his card expired, WBZ 4 News reported. But when officers questioned him on the number of plants, Meleo admitted to selling some of the marijuana because of hard financial times, police said.

Massachusetts law allows Meleo to have up to six plants. According to police, Meleo had at at least 194 marijuana plants.