CHILDREN REMOVED FROM RESIDENTIAL GROW OP

Four children aged eight to 15, who lived in a Chestermere home where
a marijuana grow-operation was discovered, were seized by emergency
personnel last Wednesday.

At this time the children are with Strathmore Children Services as
part of the Drug Endangered Children Act, said Chestermere RCMP Const.
Sara McLaughlin.

A search warrant was executed at a Springmere area residence by the
Chestermere RCMP, assisted by the Southern Alberta Marijuana
Investigation Team, Strathmore Family and Child Services and Alberta
Environmental Protection on April 2.

A sophisticated, medium-sized hydroponic marijuana growing operation
was located in the basement of the home and approximately 60 plants
were seized.

Chestermere RCMP would not disclose the residential address or names
of occupants in order to protect the safety of the children.

One female resident was taken into custody and a male occupant of the
house was later located and arrested.

The house has been condemned as unfit for habitation, and charges are
pending against the two adults that were living in the home.

Both of the parents have now been released with charges pending, said
McLaughlin.

"Chestermere RCMP is keeping a watchful eye out for this type of
criminal activity in our town," said Mayor Patricia Matthews. "They
have been very successful at dropping the numbers of marijuana grow
operations operating here and I'm sure will be even more diligent in
the future with the help of various policing agencies and resident
groups like Block Watch and Citizens on Patrol."

"It is always disturbing to see young, innocent children involved and
we would hope they get all the help they need to get through this
difficult time," she added.