65 GROW OPS BUSTED ON ISLAND

In an intensive series of stings over the last six weeks, Vancouver
Island RCMP detachments - including Oceanside's - have combined forces
to bust some 65 marijuana grow operations.

Twenty-four police officers formed five "Green Teams" to take down the
operations in Oceanside, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Campbell River,
Ucluelet, Lake Cowichan and Shawnigan Lake.

As part of an RCMP focus on organized crime on the Island, the Green
Teams' dismantling of the 65 grow operations included seizures of
16,611 marijuana plants and 793 grow lights, with 109 persons facing
numerous charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

As well, 18 B.C. Hydro diversions were located, with related charges
of hydro theft being laid in all instances.

Also seized in the raids were thousands of dollars in cash, a large
diesel-powered generator, a 45-foot "reefer" unit, several vehicles,
numerous firearms and a quantity of other illicit drugs and stolen
property.