BIG BUST IN SHUSWAP COMMUNITY

SEYMOUR ARM, B.C. - Sixteen people have been arrested in connection
with the seizure of a major marijuana grow operation in the tiny
community of Seymour Arm, at the north end of Shuswap Lake.

A squad of RCMP officers,armed with 28 search warrants,seized
marijuana grow operations in attics, basements and bunkers -- some of
them factory size, capable of growing more than 5,000 plants at a time.

"We figure that just over half of the residents were involved in this
well-organized criminal enterprise," says RCMP spokesperson Sgt. John
Ward.

Police say the raids are the result of a two-year investigation into
allegations that several residential properties were being used for
large-scale marijuana grow operations.

Ward says that investigation began after some residents complained
about violence and intimidation at the hands of the growers.

And Ward says those residents appreciated the bust. "Absolutely, we
have had a number of people come up to us and thank us for being here.

"Throughout these searches we have confiscated a number of firearms as
well," he says.

The police will remain in Seymour Arm for the next day or two,
cataloguing and dismantling the equipment, which includes sizeable
generators.

Ward says the Seymour Arm pot was destined for Vancouver, Calgary and
the U.S.