POT BUSTS PRESENT GROWING LOCAL EPIDEMIC

In the last few months, 100 Mile House RCMP have been busy with an
increasing number of marijuana grow-ops.

With the assistance of the North District General Investigation
Section/Drug Units and Williams Lake General Investigation Section,
the local detachment has seized over 6,000 plants in the last two weeks.

A residence was searched at the 108 Mile Ranch on March 5, after an
investigation revealed that there was a hydro diversion at the
property. A total of 982 marijuana plants and related equipment was seized.

On March 12, a residence along Canim Hendrix Lake Road was searched
after RCMP received a report of suspicious activity. The search
resulted in the seizure of 1,359 pot plants and related equipment.
Four people were apprehended and later released; they are to appear
in provincial court in April.

That same day, a search of a Bradley Creek residence resulted in the
arrest of three persons. A total of 896 marijuana plants were seized,
along with equipment.

The arrested individuals are also due in court in April.

On March 14, a property was searched on Katchmar Road near Lone Butte
and 1,928 plants were seized. Two people were arrested on site and
will be appearing in court in April.

March 16 had RCMP out searching a Chuckwagon Trail property, near
Forest Grove, and 1,097 pot plants were seized along with related
electrical and plumbing equipment.

100 Mile RCMP stated all of the mentioned matters are presently still
under investigation with further arrests pending. Charges of
Production of Marijuana and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
are recommended.

Further charges may result after the investigations are completed.

"The North District General Investigation Section will continue to
assist with the detection and dismantling of marijuana grow
operations in the Northern BC communities," said Const. Craig
Douglass, RCMP North District media liaison, in regards to the latest
string of busts.

"These sophisticated operations are associated to organized crime
groups and, as such, demand the highest level of attention from the
RCMP. The successful takedown of these operations are in part due to
members of the public providing vital information that, in time, led
to the successful prosecution of these criminals.

"Removing those drugs off the street is a big win for us."