A Casco man was charged with aggravated trafficking of marijuana last week.

At about 9 a.m. last Thursday morning, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Anderson went to a Casco residence to investigate a report of gun shots. While investigating the complaint, the deputy spoke with John Alfiero, 44, the resident of 614 Poland Springs Road.

While speaking with Alfiero, the deputy was able to smell the odor of marijuana coming from within his residence.

Based on the initial investigation, deputies obtained a search warrant for the house.

Investigators found several freezer bags of processed marijuana within the residence. They also found several firearms and specialized marijuana grow lights. Detectives also seized 17 packages of marijuana, each of which contained an amount of marijuana worth about $1,000.

Deputies subsequently arrested Alfiero. Alfiero was charged with aggravated trafficking of marijuana. He is being held on $50,000 cash bail at the Cumberland County Jail.

“This recent arrest highlights the escalating presence of commercial drug trafficking among the communities that make up suburban Cumberland County,” said Chief Deputy Kevin Joyce. “These drug dealers are often able to cultivate and sell illicit drugs with little or no fear of apprehension. However, investigations initiated by observant patrol deputies has allowed the Sheriff’s office to interrupt three extensive marijuana indoor growing operations in the past four months.”