CHARLESTOWN, R.I.—A Charlestown man is facing charges in connection with what police call a "significant" marijuana growing operation.
Authorities say 32-year-old Joseph Malo was taken into custody Friday night and charged with felony manufacturing and possession of marijuana and intent to manufacture and deliver marijuana in an amount greater than one kilo but not more than five kilos.
Police tell The Westerly Sun they seized about 350 marijuana plants from his basement.
Malo was arraigned Saturday morning at the Charlestown Police Department.
Police said they were tipped off that the suspect was growing marijuana hydroponically. Exterior thermal surveillance indicated extreme amounts of heat being circulated.
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