POLICE RAID DRUG PLANTATION IN THE MAPLES

Residents of a Maples-area street expressed shock and surprise
yesterday that Winnipeg police had knocked over a large marijuana grow
operation in their neighbourhood.

"That is shocking for this street," said Noi, who declined to give her
last name. "We didn't hear a thing."

About 4 p.m. Friday, the police Green Team seized 627 marijuana plants
with an estimated street value of $702,240, from a house at 19
Gardenia Bay. The house is located across the lane from Arthur E.
Wright Community School.

"Are we surprised? No -- it happens everywhere. It doesn't matter
where you live," said Brenley Nyhoff, as she and husband Harold
unloaded groceries from their car.

"The government should hire these guys to grow their marijuana. At
least it would have some strength," said Harold, referring
tongue-in-cheek to the low-grade medicinal marijuana grown in a Flin
Flon mine shaft.

Although marijuana grow operations have popped up in virtually every
Winnipeg neighbourhood in recent years, one resident said he was
nonetheless surprised to see it happen on his street.

"There didn't seem to be a lot of traffic going there," said Kevin,
who didn't want to give his last name.

"It happens I guess. It's a good thing the police were on top of their
game."

A 51-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman each face charges of
producing marijuana, possession of marijuana for the purpose of
trafficking, theft of electricity and mischief over $5,000.

They were released on a promise to appear in court.