Cumberland house fire results in arrest of homeowner

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cumberland Police Department said a man was arrested after firefighters allegedly discovered a large amount of marijuana inside his home during a fire response on Tuesday.

Around 1 p.m., crews were dispatched to Sun Valley Drive for reports of smoke showing from a home.

Shortly after arrival, firefighters were able to contain the fire to the basement.

In the basement, firefighters allegedly discovered an “elaborate marijuana cultivation operation” and notified Cumberland police.

Cumberland police executed a search warrant for the home, and allegedly found 40 mature marijuana plants “standing at several feet tall,” according to the Cumberland Police Department.

The Cumberland Police Department said 38-year-old Mark Garvey, the sole owner of the home, did not have licensing to grow a large quantity of marijuana, and that the quantity discovered was “well over” the legal “personal use” limit.

Garvey was charged with felony possession of marijuana.

The defendant is expected to appear before a bail commissioner later Tuesday night.