25,000 POT PLANTS SEIZED

A six-week policing project aimed at identifying and taking down
indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operations in the Kootenays has
resulted in the seizure of more than 25,000 plants worth an estimated
$25 million, RCMP say.

The project, spearheaded by police in Slocan Lake, Kaslo, Nelson,
Nakusp and Castlegar, began in mid-July and wrapped at the end of August.

A total of 16 RCMP officers, three auxiliary RCMP members and one RCMP
pilot were involved in the investigations, which led to 19 drug search
warrants being executed on Crown and privately owned lands.

Marijuana found on Crown land was destroyed on site, police said.

Thirteen people face drug-related charges in connection with the
project. No names have been released pending approval of charges.

The investigation continues.