POT GROW-OPS A BIG THREAT TO NEIGHBOURHOODS

Langley still has its fair share of marijuana grow ops, with the
local drug section carting away 1,000 plants from two homes on June
20, one in a new Willoughby subdivision.

A fire that started in a B.C. Hydro meter box attached to a house at
7283 - 196A St. uncovered a marijuana grow operation.

The neighbourhood is part of a new development of homes where several
grow ops have been busted, said police.

"When houses are that close together, the flames could easily spread
to the next house," said Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Diane Blain.

"Hydro bypassing is very dangerous."

The resident of the home was alerted by a passerby that a fire had
started on the outside of the house. Witnesses then saw the man grab
a woman from the house and the two fled in a van.

Around 9:30 p.m. Township fire crews put out the blaze. About 400 pot
plants were discovered in the the new home.

Earlier on Tuesday, Langley RCMP's drug section executed a warrant in
a large home in the 2400-block of 269A Street in Aldergrove.

A 32-year-old Langley man was arrested on the scene and more than 500
plants seized from the basement.

In that case, it was concerns from neighbours that helped bust the
grow op, said police.

The suspect in that case was released on a promise to appear. He is
facing charges of production of marijuana and theft of hydro.