COMPASSION CLUB FUMING OVER POT BUST

Richmond RCMP deny their raid of a grow operation used to supply medicinal
marijuana had anything to do with politics.

"That couldn't be further from the truth," Richmond RCMP Const. Peter
Thiessen said of allegations by the head of the B.C. Compassion Club
Society that the raid was set up by Health Minister Allan Rock.

The society's founder, Hilary Black, was in the midst of a telephone
conversation with Rock when she was informed of a raid at a Richmond
greenhouse supplying the club's members.

Around 1:30 p.m., members of the local drug squad executed a search warrant
at a building at 10471 Palmberg Rd.

In a greenhouse at the rear of the property, they found 400 marijuana
plants, 1,800 smaller plants and 10 boxes full of cultivated marijuana,
Thiessen said.

Police also found a modified, fully automatic M-16 assault rifle-a
restricted weapon-and two prohibited knives.

The owner of the property, Dr. Paul Hornby, showed police a Health Canada
certificate which states he can grow marijuana at an address on Pandora
Street in Vancouver.

Health Canada has been brought in to assist police in the investigation.
According to police, Health Canada indicated the property owner had a
permit to conduct qualitative analysis on marijuana but is not permitted to
cultivate it.

Five people were arrested, but no charges have been laid.

Thiessen said police will likely recommend drug and weapons related charges.