Crash into Salem House Leads to Discovery of Pot Plants: Cops

SALEM, NH — Police are investigating an alleged marijuana growing operation on North Main Street after an accident last night led to the alleged discovery of pot plants in a basement.

According to a report, officers were sent to the area of North Main Street and Townsend Avenue at just after 8:30 p.m. on July 20, 2016, for a report of an accident. When they arrived, they spoke to an elderly driver from Methuen, MA, who reportedly backed out of the driveway of one home and then 30 feet away, collided into another home.

The driver struck an exterior bedroom wall of a second home and caused “significant damage to the home,” according to Capt. Joel P. Dolan of the Salem Police Department.

“The bedroom was occupied at the time, fortunately there were no injuries to the operator or the residents,” he noted.

Officials from the Salem Fire Department were sent to the scene to conduct a safety check of the building due to the damage. During the course of the inspection, Dolan alleged, a false wall was found in the basement.

“On the opposite side of the wall was a makeshift room containing equipment commonly used for the manufacturing of marijuana,” Dolan stated. “Additionally, 12 plants were located as well as high powered lights, power inverter equipment, tables, thermometer, duct work, and ventilation equipment.”

Dolan noted that no charges have been filed in the case but police are continuing to investigate the alleged growing operation.