A marijuana grow-operation was uncovered in the RM of Ritchot earlier this week.

St Pierre-Jolys RCMP, with the assistance of multiple specialized police crews, seized approximately 40 plants, 18 firearms, 225 grams of dried mushrooms, along with other weapons and drug paraphernalia.

Specialized police crews included the East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), the Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST).

A 37-year-old man was arrested and is facing charges of possession of illicit cannabis, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling, cultivating more than four cannabis plants and cultivating illicit cannabis, under the cannabis act.

He is also facing four criminal charges of firearms storage contrary to regulations and possession of a prohibited weapon.

St Pierre-Jolys RCMP continues to investigate.