Illegal marijuana grow op at N.B. house revealed after police respond to fire call

What began as a house fire call in New Brunswick has resulted in the seizure of nearly 500 marijuana plants.

And now, a 73-year-old man is set to appear in court in connection with the grow operation.

READ: N.B. street marijuana cheaper than proposed Cannabis NB store prices: StatCan survey

RCMP say they were initially called at 1 a.m. on Saturday to a home on Railway Avenue in Shediac for a fire.

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While responding, police noticed “possible illegal activity in the residence.”

WATCH: Survey says majority of New Brunswickers won’t purchase marijuana once legal

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That same day — armed with a search warrant — police seized 485 marijuana plants and dismantled a multi-stage grow operation.

The man was arrested at the scene and released pending a court appearance in Moncton Provincial Court on August 28.

RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.