Nassau police say a potentially lifesaving device led them to 10 pounds of marijuana in a Baldwin apartment late Tuesday night.

Firefighters and police responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at the apartment of Frank Altamore, owner of Frank's Auto Repair. Instead of arriving at a rescue situation, police say the firefighters instead stumbled on an illegal drug operation.Responders say they discovered 10 pounds of marijuana in the back of Altamore's apartment. In addition to the drugs, police say they found packaging paraphernalia and equipment used to grow the pot in the back room.

"Our investigation is continuing, but based on the information we have and the equipment we found, it looks like he was growing this marijuana to possibly sell," Sgt. Anthony Repalone said.

Altamore faces felony possession charges. If Altamore intended to sell the drugs, police say more charges would be added.

A message left at Frank's Auto Repair shop requesting comment was not returned.