Merlin Structure Fire Turns into Large Bust by Josephine Marijuana Enforcement
An investigation into the fire that damaged the former Merlin Post Office building this week has turned into a large marijuana bust.
Rural Metro Fire Department responded to a fire in an industrial building in the 300-block of Merlin Avenue on Monday morning.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered the commercial building was being used for an indoor marijuana grow. After the fire was extinguished, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) was called in and executed a search warrant for the premises.
During execution of the warrant, over 1,300 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed while other evidence was found and photographed.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal was also called in to investigate the exact origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined the fire was caused by manipulation of the electrical service, bypassing the electrical meter to supply power to the grow illegally. So far no arrests have been made, but the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the JMET Tip Line at (541)-474-5252.
Posted on 5/9/25 6:40AM by Sam Marsh
