POSH PADS NOW BEING USED TO GROW POT

Winnipeg police dismantled a $1-million marijuana grow operation at a
swanky home in Royalwood late Thursday night.

Westwater Drive residents were surprised by what took place on their
street, but weren't surprised which neighbours were involved.

"They were never home, but yet the downstairs window was always
open," said Cathy Ramsay.

"It's shocking in a neighbourhood like this, though, to be the person
next door."

The house also stuck out to neighbours for its poorly maintained yard
and large weeds in the backyard.

Police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said officers found more
than 1,000 plants in the Westwater Drive home.

The bust continues a trend that has emerged in recent years --
people, be it organized crime groups or individuals, using expensive
and large homes in the suburbs or outskirts of Winnipeg to grow mass
amounts of pot.

"As we've seen in the past, there have been grow operations not
necessarily in the city centre or core," Michalyshen said.

The plants, in various stages of growth, have a potential street
value of $1.1 million, police said. Officers also seized about
$25,000 worth of growing equipment.

Michalyshen said it's possible police were tipped off by a utility
company which noticed the growers were stealing electricity or water.
Police did not say if the grow op has gang connections. Michalyshen
did not know when it was set up.