A Howell Township house that once sheltered the commanding officers of Naval Weapons Station Earle became a marijuana farm and a stash house for a grenade launcher, shotguns, rifles and hand guns, according to police who completed two arrests.

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Christopher Kilbride, 42, is charged with operating a marijuana-growing operation, possession of more than 50 grams, possession of weapons while involved in drug distribution, possession of a destructive device - the grenade launcher - and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

A Monmouth County judge ordered Kilbride into the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, setting bail at $352,000.

Amy O'Connor, 25, of Manasquan, listed by police as a friend of Kilbride, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, in the form of a crack pipe, and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. She was released on a summons.

The search of the Route 34 house took place July 22, following an extensive investigation. Police said that they discovered 30 marijuana plants, a gram of suspected cocaine, and the weapons.

Authorities presently do not suspect that the weapons are stolen, but noted that the grenade launcher fires 37mm explosive rounds.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and New Jersey State Police assisted in the investigation.

Criminal charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

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