Authorities say they have uncovered a marijuana growing operation Thursday in Ocean County.

According to police, the pot plants were found behind a fence in the backyard of a Bayville home located at 605 Atlantic City Blvd. along Route 9. 

Officials say the grow operation was discovered after several local, county and state law enforcement officers were called to the home. They say a woman at the house alerted police that a Lakewood off-duty cop was at the home in violation of a restraining order. 

During the investigation, the bomb squad was called to the scene and detonated an unknown explosive device. Neighbors say they heard an explosion around 1:30 p.m. 

Tax records show the resident next door to the Bayville home owns both homes. 

Police are still searching for the off-duty cop to determine his connection with the woman. No one has been charged yet.