CITY MOUNTIES WRAP ROUNDUP OF GROW SHOWS

Nanaimo RCMP's Green Team has completed a six-week-long roundup of
marijuana grow operations.

The effort ran from late October to early December, during which police
investigated 64 files generated from Crime Stoppers tips and police
investigations.

Over that six weeks, Mounties executed nine warrants and concluded 34
files, said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.

The operation turned up 952 marijuana plants, more than 55 kilograms of
marijuana, 135 grow lights, $4,000 in Canadian currency and one
.22-calibre rifle with ammunition.

Fifteen suspects received drug charges and other criminal code charges
relating to firearms and theft.

O'Brien said the operation offers training opportunities for officers
pulled from other sections to work with the Green Team.

Training includes a week of orientation covering investigative techniques,
health and safety, as well as protective equipment and clothing needed to
work around grow operations.

"We also do electrical training working with B.C. Hydro - understanding
electrical diversions and bypasses, how to look for and find diversions,
and how to treat them when they get there," O'Brien said.