ASHBURNHAM, Mass. (AP) – A 54-year-old man was arrested after police responded to a burglar alarm at his house and found no thieves, but uncovered evidence of a drug-dealing operation, police said.

William Lavery, 54, was arrested on charges including cocaine trafficking and possession of more than 200 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Lavery was arraigned Thursday in Gardner District Court and released on $10,000 cash bail.

A message left at Lavery’s house on Friday morning was not immediately returned.

Police said they responded to the burglar alarm Wednesday evening and searched the house after finding evidence of a break-in. During the search, police found a measuring scale and a jar with white powder residue.

After Lavery arrived home, he told police the powder was cocaine he kept for personal use and agreed to a search of his house, police said.

Police found a safe in the basement, and Lavery told them drugs were inside, police said. Police said they opened the safe after obtaining a search warrant, and found about $100,000 in drugs and more than $31,000 in cash.

Police are continuing to investigate the apparent burglary at Lavery’s house.

AP-ES-02-27-04 1112EST