LARGEST-EVER GROW-OP IN CHILLIWACK BUSTED BY RCMP

Chilliwack RCMP say they have busted the largest marijuana grow-op
ever found in Chilliwack.

The grow-op in an underground bunker on Nixon Road had 11,520
marijuana plants valued at over $3 million, police said.

One male suspect, unknown to police, was arrested and held in custody
while the investigation continues.

Chilliwack RCMP officers and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response
Team executed a search warrant at the property in the 7600-block
Nixon Road at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said a Quonset hut had been built over top the bunker giving
the illusion of a legitimate out-building on the property.

Water was being drawn from a nearby fish-bearing creek, and chemicals
were being dumped onto the property with an unknown environmental impact.

BC Environment Ministry were called in to correct any environmental
damage, and steps were taken to ensure the property itself is never
used for a grow-op again.

Police estimate more than $400,000 worth of electricity was stolen to
power the grow-op.

"While we cannot confirm any links to organized crime at this point,
the level of sophistication of this grow-op suggests many people were
involved in establishing and running this operation," RCMP Cpl.
Lea-Anne Dunlop said.

There were two booby traps designed to spray bear spray at anyone
entering the property, and security cameras were set up to monitor
the grow-op from the house.

A sub-floor had been built in the hut concealing an elevator-style
hydraulic lift that provided access to the underground bunker where
four separate grow rooms were located.

"Dismantling a grow of this magnitude take a large coordinated
effort," Dunlop said, and police were assisted by the City of
Chilliwack, the Chilliwack Fire Department and BC Hydro.

Police are asking anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the rural
area to call the Chilliwack RCMP at 792-4611. Anonymous tips can be
made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at
www.chilliwackcrimestoppers.ca