JMET Search Warrant - Merlin Avenue (Date Correction) (Photo) - 05/08/25

RELEASE DATE:  May 8, 2025

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant

INCIDENT DATE: May 5, 2025

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

CHARGES: 1- Arson Incident to the Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance

                    2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                    3- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                    4- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

                    5- Theft

                    6- Criminal Mischief

DETAILS: On May 5, 2025, Rural Metro firefighters responded to a fire in an industrial building in the 300 block of Merlin Avenue. When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered the commercial building was being used for an indoor marijuana grow. After the fire was extinguished, JMET arrived on scene and executed a search warrant for the premises.

During the execution of the warrant, over 1,300 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed while other evidence was found and photographed on scene. Additionally, State Fire Marshals were called to investigate the exact origin and cause of the fire. It was determined the fire was caused by manipulation of the electrical service, bypassing the electrical meter to supply power to the grow illegally.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing. We urge anyone with information regarding this case to contact the JMET tip line at 541-474-5252.