Utility company’s proposal to rat out hidden marijuana operations to police raises privacy concerns
Associated PressBANGOR, Maine — Operators of illegal marijuana grow enterprises hidden inside rural homes in Maine don’t have to worry much about prying neighbors. The Maine utility regulatory proceeding comes as law enforcement officials target marijuana grow operations in which rural homes are purchased, gutted and transformed into sophisticated, high-yield indoor farms. In Somerset County, Sheriff Dale Lancaster, whose deputies have executed search warrants on 21 marijuana operations, said law enforcement works best with community support, and he described Versant’s proposal as a “good first step.” Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has aggressively pressed the FBI about the illegal marijuana operations, also supports Versant’s efforts to be an ally with law enforcement agencies. “Cooperation between Maine’s electric companies and law enforcement could be of tremendous help to the county sheriffs and other officials who have been working tirelessly to target these illegal grow operations,” she said. CMP, the state’s largest electric utility, now formally opposes the change but will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement if customer information is requested through subpoena, said spokesperson Jonathan Breed.
History of this topic
Maine regulators reject utility proposal to report suspected marijuana grow operations to police
Associated PressMarijuana grow busted in Maine as feds investigate trend in 20 states
Associated Press
Police suspect weed businesses hit by same group of burglars
Associated Press
Police aided illegal marijuana operation in Maine, feds say
Associated Press
Maine’s marijuana legalization timeline goes up in smoke
Associated PressDiscover Related
