CARLSBAD, Calif. (KGTV) - Two men were arrested Wednesday night after firefighters responding to a house fire near Carlsbad High School discovered materials consistent with a marijuana growing operation and a short-barreled shotgun.
Firefighters were called to a house fire in the 2000 block of Chestnut Avenue just before 7 p.m., according to Carlsbad police. When firefighters arrived, residents were in the process of putting out the flames.
Police confirmed to 10News that a hazardous materials team was summoned to the scene, as some neighbors said they could smell a foul odor coming through the home's front door.
Police and fire at 2000 block of Chestnut Ave in Carlsbad. Hazardous materials unit on scene too @10News pic.twitter.com/gMZvFHnXBK
— Anthony Pura (@10NewsPura) July 27, 2017
"I thought it was maybe just something burning in the backyard," neighbor Ariel Howard said. "Except it didn't smell like plants though; it smelled like a chemical, like when plastic burns or something."
Carlsbad police said: "Officers and firefighters noticed items commonly used to extract concentrated cannabis through the use of flammable solvents near the source of the fire. The product achieved through this type of solvent extraction process is often referred to as butane honey oil. Detectives assumed the investigation and found finished concentrated cannabis, over 50 marijuana plants, psilocybin mushrooms, a short-barreled shotgun and additional items used in the production of concentrated cannabis through solvent extraction."
Police arrested the home's residents 56-year-old Peter McDonald and 51-year-old David Silva.
Two men were just detained after police questioning. 2000 block of Chestnut Ave in Carlsbad. Hazardous materials unit on scene @10News pic.twitter.com/0cZVzaG772
— Zach Wonderlie (@10newsZach) July 27, 2017
According to police, Silva was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of a short-barreled shotgun. McDonald was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale and causing a structure fire.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
