Police: Assault Rifle, Nearly 20 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Gloucester Township Residence

ERIAL, N.J. (CBS) -- Officers who were following up on a harassment investigation discovered an alleged marijuana dealing operation during a search of a home in Gloucester Township.

Police originally responded to Timber Creek High School after receiving word that an adult, non-student, allegedly made a comment as he was leaving a meeting with school administration, that he had an assault firearm in the trunk of his car.

A staff member overheard the comment and notified a school resource officer, who subsequently requested police assistance with the investigation.

Authorities responded with a search warrant to 1100 Jarvis Road where they discovered several firearms, including an AK47 type assault rifle and a large capacity ammunition magazine for the weapon.

They also recovered a large amount of marijuana in trash bags and mason jars.

Police obtained an additional search warrant and discovered more marijuana, packaging material, scales, an automatic money county, a safe and $12,000.

Police transported 55-year-old Michael Shaffer to the Gloucester Township Police Department.

He was charged with harassment, possession of an assault weapon, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and other related offenses.

Shaffer was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility on default of $110,000 cash bail.

Police say that at no time was there any danger to students or staff members.