POLICE SEIZE 35 PLANTS IN GIBSONS POT BUST

Gibsons police moved in on a marijuana growing operation Tuesday, seizing
pot plants with an estimated total value of $50,000 to $70,000 from a
trailer on Reed Road.

Acting on an anonymous tip, Constables Mike Reid and Rob Klassen of the
Gibsons RCMP confiscated 35 mature plants from the trailer on an acreage at
1056 Reed Road, March 17.

Police described the pot-growing operation as quite sophisticated.

Plants were being grown in two separate roms, while a third space was used
for propagation. Electricity was being supplied through a line which
illegally tapped directly into a nearby power source, bypassing B.C. Hydro
meters.

The set-up inside the trailer included some heavy duty electrical and
lighting equipment, including 14 1000-watt transformers, two transformer
boards with times, 20 halogen lights and an air conditioner venting both
grow rooms. There was also a calendar in the trailer with dates noted on
the fertilizing and watering schedule for the pot plants.

The plants themselves were three to four feet in height. Police estimate
they were worth between $1,500 and $2,000 each.

Police said they searched the trailer Tuesday afternoon with the consent of
the person living there. The owner of the property was away at the time.

No charges have been laid. But police said they accomplished the main goal
of the bust, which was to seize the plants and "put this guy out of
business."

They also issued a warning to other local pot growers that they have five
more tips which they plan to act on soon. "We're going to follow up on them
diligently," said Cpl. Wayne Mossman.