A large illegal marijuana operation was exposed Monday evening near Benton Township.

Around 5:40 p.m., the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant for illegal drugs at 1091 N. Benton Center Rd.

During the execution of the warrant, officers seized 64 live marijuana plants, processed marijuana and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. Police also located and seized numerous rifles, shotguns and handguns, as well as $15,000 in cash. The firearms and currency were seized under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law.

Officers arrested Cory Maynard Smith, 49, on preliminary charges of Manufacturing Marijuana 2nd Offense, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver 2nd Offense, Maintaining a Drug House 2nd Offense, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Smith is currently behind bars at the Berrien County Jail awaiting arraignment in the Berrien County Trial Court.

The Berrien County Sheriff Department's Road Patrol and the Benton Township Police Department assisted in the drug bust.