Drug task force nabs 2 on pot, meth charges

Daniel Helm (Strafford County Drug Task Force photos)

Christy Olden

DOVER, N.H. - A couple of Farmington residents alleged in a massive pot-growing and meth lab operation were arrested on Thursday.

Daniel Helm, 43, and Christy Olden, 42, both of 294 Meaderboro Road, were charged with manufacturing of marijuana, attempt to manufacture methamphetamines, and methamphetamine prohibited conduct as they are alleged to have been manufacturing in a home where a child resides.

David Helm was being held on $75,000 bail, Christy Olden, $50,000 pending arraignment.

The arrests were the result of several weeks of investigation conducted by the Strafford County Drug Task Force, the Farmington Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police.

On Thursday a search warrant at the residence led to lawmen finding some 400 marijuana plants in various stages of development and an inactive methamphetamine lab located in the basement of the home.

The evidence of the methamphetamine lab included various household chemicals, manufacturing plans, and paraphernalia associated with the precursors of methamphetamine production, according to a task force press release issued on Friday.

It was also determined that an 11-year-old child was living in the home in proximity to the chemical evidence.