HUGE POT OPERATION SET UP IN WAREHOUSE

Calgary's pot cops swooped down on a southeast warehouse disguising one of
the most elaborate marijuana growing operations detectives have seen.

Makeshift walls of empty cardboard boxes held together by packing tape hid
a tiny factory of five hydroponic weed rooms inside a double bay in the
nondescript yellow and brick industrial building at 8080 36th St. S.E.

Police broke through the front glass door and arrested two men Wednesday at
around noon.

The Southern Alberta Marijuana Investigation Team -- the green team
comprised of city police and Mounties -- dismantled $50,000 worth of
hydroponic growing equipment and removed 600 hardy pot plants.

"It's one of the most sophisticated grows I've ever seen," said Det. Chris
Fileccia. "Hydro grows are so labour intensive."

Police say they suspect the drug growing and packaging warehouse has been
operating for two to three years. The plants seized were lush, they said.

A neighbouring tenant said electricity meter readers haven't been able to
get inside the leased space in about a year, and there were no customers to
be seen.

"We never saw them," said Jason Clements, who works nearby.

Police say a tip led them to the illegal weed shop.