House fire leads police to drug stash

A stash of drugs was found in the aftermath of a fire at a house on Taylor Cres, Blenheim, last night.

Constable Michelle Stagg of Blenheim Police said three cannabis plants, dried cannabis plant material and two point bags of methamphetamine were discovered at the address.

A 39-year-old male was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis, possession of amphetamine, possession of utensils and receiving stolen property, Miss Stagg said.

Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Rob Dalton said the fire had started at a light fitting in the lounge at the property and he suspected the owner had covered a light bulb with cloth to dim down light, which was a "real no no".

"People don't realise high heat comes from a light bulb and in a very short period of time it can set fire to fabric."

The man at the address had been asleep and the actions of quick-thinking neighbours and a smoke alarm had saved the house, he said.

The fire caused a small amount of damage around a light fitting and some smoke damage to the rest of the house, he said.

- The Marlborough Express

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