SWEEP NETS 7,500 POT PLANTS

A week-long sweep of suspected marijuana grow operations netted local
police 60 pounds of dried illegal product and more than 7,500 plants.

Richmond RCMP Sgt. Willy Laurie said that all but one of the 14 spots
searched by police were private residences. The sole exception was a
bust at a commercial warehouse.

The crackdown, between Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, resulted in the arrest of
23 people. Warrants were issued for two others. They are facing
charges of production of a controlled substance and possession of a
controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. About half of the
illegal hydroponic operations involved the theft of
electricity.

Laurie said there wasn't a particular reason for the sweep, other than
police had the equipment, time and resources available to catch up on
a long list of suspected grow-ops that they were informed of, but
hadn't yet investigated and searched.

Many of the suspected grow operations were identified either by
members of BlockWatch or received through CrimeStoppers' tips line.
BlockWatch members are specially trained to identify grow operations.