LAUREL, Del.- Authorities say a Laurel man is facing drug charges after a raid of his home led to the seizure of 16 fully-grown marijuana plants found growing in his backyard.

Delaware State Police say that on Friday, members of the Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit, the Governor's Task Force, the State Police Aviation Section and the Wicomico County Sheriffs Office concluded a 1-month-long investigation into a marijuana manufacturing case. 

Police say that during the course of the probe, investigators discovered several marijuana plants growing in the backyard of 52-year-old Ralph Merrill Jr.'s home located on the 8000 block of Portsville Road in Laurel. Police say detectives were able to link the marijuana manufacturing to Merrill.

A total of 16 marijuana plants were found growing with a height of approximately 10 feet each, according to police. Police say these fully mature plants were found to have a combined weight of approximately 84 pounds.

Authorities say additional marijuana was located inside Merrill's home, along with drug paraphernalia and four firearms. 

Merrill was arrested and charged with manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a dwelling, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later released on an unsecured bond.