PORTAGE | Police said a report of a foul smell led them to the discovery of a large psychedelic mushroom-growing operation inside a Portage home over the weekend.

The resident of the home, 21-year-old Nicholas Thewes, was arrested on a felony charge of manufacturing a controlled substance. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the charge.

Police said they confiscated mushrooms, an AK-47 assault rifle and 400 jars containing the precursors to producing mushrooms.

Portage police said their STOP IT Team responded to Thewes' home at 1261 Camelot in Camelot Estates Mobile Home Park about 11:15 a.m. Saturday after receiving a report of an odor coming from the home.

Police spokesman Sgt. Keith Hughes said Thewes denied entry to his home and attributed the odor to dead snakes in his garbage. Police obtained a search warrant and entered the home about two hours later, finding protective suits at the entrance and a room covered with plastic.

Police, thinking they discovered a methamphetamine lab, backed out and called Indiana State Police Trooper and clandestine lab Officer Scott Gilbert to respond. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the room was for growing mushrooms and had items like a humidifier, filter system and water, police said.

Police said Thewes, who was ordered held on no bond, did not talk with investigators. Police believe Thewes, who has no criminal record, just got the grow operation up and running. Hughes said Thewes' home is near where police discovered a meth lab a few years ago.

"I think it's great somebody notified us of the foul smell," Hughes said.