Police responding to a report of a fight in Lewiston, Maine, on Tuesday afternoon discovered a large marijuana cultivation operation.
John Katula, 39, of Park Street was charged with aggravated cultivating of marijuana after police found 450 marijuana plants in the building where he lives. They were called to the address for a report of a disturbance, and when they arrived, they found several men engaged in a physical altercation. While attempting to stop the fight, they discovered the marijuana cultivation operation.
Katula told police he was a licensed medical marijuana caregiver under Maine state law, but his registration card had expired in June of 2013.
Maine Drug Enforcement Administration agents responded and found the 450 marijuana plants, valued at in excess of $100,000, along with an extensive lighting and ventilation system. The growing operation was on three of the building's four stories, and there were serious wiring issues.
Katula was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail, where bail was set at $5,000 cash.
