For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 2, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Ipswich Police Arrest Man for Alleged Marijuana Grow Operation

IPSWICH – Chief Paul Nikas reports that the Ipswich Police Department today arrested a man in connection with an alleged illegal marijuana growing operation at his home.

RICHARD BLAIS, AGE 47, OF IPSWICH is charged with Unlawfully Cultivating a Class D Substance (Marijuana).

Police arrested BLAIS this morning at his home following a search warrant execution. An anonymous tip led the department to conduct an investigation, which led to the search warrant.

Officers seized 78 plants estimated to be worth $100,000 and equipment used for a grow operation.

BLAIS was held at the Ipswich Police Department pending arraignment Friday in Ipswich District Court.

Ipswich Police were assisted by officers from Beverly, Georgetown, Salisbury, Newburyport and the Massachusetts State Police.

“We allege that this suspect illegally operated a marijuana grow site at his home,” Chief Nikas said. “I commend our Ipswich Police Department detectives for their diligent work in this investigation and thank our local and state police departments for their assistance.”

The Ipswich Police Department would like to remind the community that Massachusetts allows the use of medical marijuana to registered qualifying patients and personal caregivers only. Residents are only permitted to grow marijuana for medical use with a license. BLAIS did not meet or adhere to any of the established state guidelines.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Photos are Courtesy of Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services.

###