An odor of smoke led authorities in Tyngsborough to a large-scale and “sophisticated” marijuana growing operation inside a unit of an industrial complex.
Tyngsborough firefighters responded to the unit inside Westech Park, on Westech Drive, police said on Thursday.
Inside, the firefighters found about 250 marijuana plants of varying size, police said. It was an operation intended to grow and cultivate the marijuana plants.
There was no fire.
Police detectives obtained a search warrant for the unit, and the investigation is ongoing at this time with the assistance of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police.
Police are searching for those responsible for the operation.
There are no legal marijuana sales operations in Tyngsborough, according to police. Though marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, it is not yet legal for retail sale.
“This is an illegal and dangerous drug cultivation business, and we are conducting a full and thorough investigation,” Chief Richard Howe said.
The complex is located off Westford Road, near Rout 3.
credit:masslive.com