COUPLE CHARGED AFTER $1-MILLION GROW OP BUST

A Calgary couple is facing several charges after more than $1 million
in marijuana plants was seized from two suburban homes Thursday.

Searches of homes in the 900 block of Panorama Hills Drive N.W.
uncovered 301 plants worth $420,000 at one address, and 451 plants and
31 half-pound bags of marijuana, worth $650,000, from the other.

"We consider any grow op in excess of 500 plants to be a large
operation," said Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux of the Calgary Police Service.

The bust was made by the newly formed Calgary police and RCMP "green
team," called the Southern Alberta Marijuana Investigation Team.

Charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, cultivation
and theft of electricity are Tony Wong, 44, and Lily Wong, 39.

Two preteen children were living in one of the homes.

So far this month, SAMIT members have executed 20 search warrants and
laid 41 criminal charges. They have seized $20,000 in property, as
well as 6,647 plants with an estimated street value of more than $8
million.

Anyone with information about local marijuana-grow operations is asked
to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.