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NH: Sub-machine gun, assault rifles, $250K in drugs seized after fire

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Sub-machine gun, assault rifles, $250K in drugs seized after fire
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Updated: 11:33 AM EDT May 24, 2017

By WMUR

SEABROOK, N.H. -
An early morning house fire in Seabrook resulted in the seizure of guns, drugs and cash on Monday.

Seabrook police responded around 12:30 a.m. to a house fire at 256C Lafayette Road.

While searching for anyone inside the home, police discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation. The attached two-stall garage had been converted into a "growing room," including an adjoining room used to store chemicals and growing products.

Police also found several guns placed near windows and doors in every room of the house.

Seabrook firefighters were able to put out the fire.

No one was found in the home, but investigators learned that the resident, Jonah Couturier, 37, had fled the home after calling 911.

He was stopped in East Kingston by New Hampshire State Police and arrested after police found him to be in possession of marijuana.

Investigators applied for search warrants for the home and for Couturier's vehicle.

The search warrants resulted in the seizure of more than 70 pounds of marijuana with a street value of more than $160,000, marijuana extract with a street value of $80,000, 90 grams of suspected heroin or fentanyl with a street value of $7,500, 262 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms with a street value of $5,600 and a quantity of LSD with a street value of $5,000.

Officers also seized handguns, shotguns, rifles, assault rifles and a sub-machine gun. Police said the guns were loaded with rounds in the chambers.

Investigators also seized a sophisticated packaging and labeling system and more than $3,200 in cash.

"This case displayed exemplary cooperation between the Fire Department and the police," said Seabrook Police Chief Michael Gallagher. "Firefighters quickly determined that they were working inside a crime scene and were able to effectively extinguish the fire while managing to preserve evidence. Our patrol officers and detectives did a great job securing the scene, obtaining the necessary paperwork, and collecting evidence in a less than ideal environment. The quantities of drugs and the types of weapons located emphasize the dangers law enforcement and first responders face on a daily basis."

Additional charges against Couturier are expected.

Sub-machine gun, assault rifles, $250K in drugs seized after fire
 
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