A veteran Vancouver firefighter has been arrested in connection with a marijuana grow-op near an elementary school in suburban North Delta.

Police seized 380 marijuana plants after searching a home in the 9100 block of 112th Street last Thursday. Annieville Elementary School is on the next block.

Police say they discovered hundreds of marijuana plants in this house in North Delta.
(CBC)

They say the plants and equipment in the home were worth about $140,000.

A 44-year-old man was arrested and later released on a promise to appear in court.

No charges have been laid, but police say they are recommending charges of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

The suspect, a firefighter with 24 years on the job, is expected to appear in court this week.

A spokesman for the Vancouver fire department says the arrest comes as a complete surprise.

Capt. Rob Jones-Cook also told CBC News he hopes the drug arrest won't tarnish the department's reputation.

"We want to be shown, of course, in a positive light and this does not help that quest at all. It is an allegation at this point, and should it be true, then appropriate action would be taken at the conclusion of any court case that may arise from this."

Jones-Cook noted Vancouver firefighters routinely tear down grow-ops, as they're considered a major fire hazard.