POT BUST BOOTY GOES UP IN SMOKE

It was a sight for bloodshot eyes -- $5 million in illegal marijuana going
up in smoke.

In a record-setting burn, Strathmore Mounties destroyed more than 513
kilograms of the drug that had been seized in several area raids since January.

"This was a big burn," said Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Glenn De Goeij.
"(The marijuana) was in all stages of growth, but a lot of it had already
decomposed."

The weed had been stored in an undisclosed secure RCMP facility since its
seizure at the beginning of the year. The confiscated drugs were taken by
officers from a series of illegal marijuana grow operations in Strathmore,
Chestermere and Inverlake Road -- all just east of the city limits.

De Goeij said the burn was the largest in the detachment's history.

It was so large, extra fire crews were brought in to help torch the drugs
at the Global Training Centre near Strathmore.

The drugs have all been linked to various organized crime groups and have
netted investigators 10 arrests.

"Our investigation is continuing," said De Goeij. "We're anticipating more
arrests."

In January, Strathmore RCMP, along with police from Calgary, raided seven
homes on one Chestermere cul-de-sac. Marijuana worth more than $3 million
was found in the upscale homes.