COPS HIT THE JACKPOT

Man Charged In $4.2M Peel Marijuana Bust

MISSISSAUGA -- A massive pot-growing lab busted by Peel Police last
night almost doubled the force's take of all home-grown marijuana this
year.

A lab containing 3,600 plants worth $4.2 million when harvested
brought to $9 million the amount of drugs seized from all labs this
year by Peel's morality bureau.

"We're seeing more and more of these ... we seized $8 million worth of
marijuana from labs all of last year," Insp. John Nielsen said last
night.

Last night's raid on a 2,000-square-foot industrial unit in the Hwy.
403-Eglinton Ave. area ended a four-month undercover operation dubbed
Project Green Acres.

A 42-year-old Toronto man was arrested and three other people were
sought when officers raided the unit, which was camouflaged from
prying eyes.

'Professional Operation'

"These guys really knew what they were doing ... this was a
professional operation," said Det. Doug Schulz.

Police said the unit's growing operation was hidden from the loading
doors by a wall and curtain, in front of which sat equipment to cut
cedar shingles, which also helped mask the smell.

Inside were plants in various stages of growth -- one lot about two
weeks away from harvest.

"I'd say the THC (active ingredient in marijuana) is probably higher
than 20%," said Schulz, adding that would make it premium-quality pot.

During the operation, police also purchased two pounds of marijuana,
worth about $5,000.

Peter Rooyaakkers, 42, of Toronto, is charged with two counts of
trafficking, and one count each of possession for the purpose of
trafficking and of producing marijuana.