LANDLORD JAILED FOR GROW OP

A Calgary landlord has been sent to prison for allowing drug
traffickers to grow marijuana crops in one of his properties.

Justice Karen Horner sentenced Veng Yoo Taing to 21/2 years in jail
on drug charges and six months for theft of electricity.

Taing was found to be an integral part of a massive marijuana growing
operation as the willing homeowner, Court of Queen's Bench heard Tuesday.

On March 26, 2004, police searching a house owned by Taing discovered
a $1.6-million pot-growing operation on Shawbrooke Green S.W.

Equipment seized from the sophisticated three-stage operation
included fans, lights and an exhaust system.

Taing was arrested on the premises.

The 758-plant crop was the second-largest bust made in two years in
Calgary police District 8. The lush crops had the potential to bring
in over a half million dollars for each mature stage sold on the street.

Taing's lawyer, Charlie Stewart, told the judge his client was simply
attempting to create a stable financial base for his wife and three
children by purchasing old homes and fixing them up as rental property.

His failure, Stewart said, followed when his tenants approached him
with an offer he couldn't refuse.

"And that's what occurred," said Stewart. "He is totally remorseful.
He is ashamed of what shame he's brought on his family."

In a trembling voice, Taing told Horner he spent years working hard
to build a life for his family before he made the fateful decision to
allow a grow operation to be run out of a house he owned.

Taing was 32 when he was charged.