RCMP ESTIMATE RAID HAUL AT $1.5-MILLION

Nine men have been arrested during an RCMP investigation into a
large-scale indoor marijuana growing operation in Chilliwack.

Part of the ongoing crackdown on Chilliwack drug trafficking, the
arrests came Wednesday after police surveillance of a home in the
10200 block of Young Road.

Police arrested the men both at the location and after they'd left the
residence. Three of the suspects were taken into custody about 2 p.m.
after RCMP stopped their vehicle on Main Street.

A search of the residence followed, during which police found a
"sophisticated indoor marijuana production enterprise," says Corporal
Peter Talvio.

Police found plants in varying stages of growth, and a large amount of
marijuana bud drying. Also discovered was "a sizeable quantity of weed
oil," Corporal Talvio says.

A police drug expert has estimated the plants could yield enough
marketable marijuana to produce 300,000 joints, with a street value of
roughly $1.5 million.

The whole operation was powered through an illegal Hydro
by-pass.

Police have recommended that the nine arrested men be charged with
possession of marijuana and possession of cannabis resin for the
purpose of trafficking, production of marijuana and theft of
hydroelectricity. No names were released as of press time.