
TURNER — Police are looking into suspicious activity at a Route 4 home after a report about a fire Wednesday in Turner turned into an investigation involving the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.
Turner Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Nicholas Merry said firefighters were called to 2509 Auburn Road, also Route 4, for reports of smoke. Officials quickly determined the site of the apparent smoke, but soon discovered it was steam billowing from the house instead, he said.
Authorities became suspicious and reported it to Androscoggin County Sheriff’s deputies.
Merry said he could not comment further, but noted that what was discovered there was “substantial.”
Androscoggin County Sheriff Eric Samson confirmed a deputy was at the home and a detective was drafting a warrant to search the property. He said the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy is now involved.
Spokesperson Alexis Soucy said the compliance division of the cannabis regulatory office works with law enforcement to help identify licensed and illicit cannabis growing operations. The agency also gives guidance on how to dispose of cannabis plants safely.
The 2509 Auburn Road home is owned by a Liming Yu of Quincy, Massachusetts, according to Turner’s tax assessment database. Liming has been listed as the property’s owner since April 21, 2021.
Samson said detectives continue to investigate.
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