HOME INVADERS TARGET MARIJUANA GROW OP

A pot grower fought with violent intruders in Aldergrove earlier this week.

Langley police say a violent encounter between a marijuana grower and
thieves trying to steal his crop has sparked a major investigation.

The Langley RCMP were first called to the area of 60th Avenue and
253rd Street on Monday after a report of suspicious men seen in the
area, said RCMP Cpl. Holly Marks.

Mounties quickly found a nearby home harbouring a 500-plant marijuana
growing operation.

Police pieced together the evidence and believe the home's occupant
defended the grow op from intruders. During a fight, at least one
intruder was hurt.

Police aren't saying whether any gunshots were fired, but they have
charged the home's occupant with a number of gun related charges.

Zane Soper, 53, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a
firearm and possession or a prohibited or restricted firearm, as well
as drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and production of a
controlled substance.

Police are not saying what kind of gun was found, because the
investigation is ongoing, said Marks.

While charges have been laid, police hope to find the invaders who
attacked the grow op as well.

Robberies of marijuana grow operations, usually called grow rips, are
often violent, but unless someone is hurt or seriously killed, they
may go unreported. The growers can't go to the police because they
would be arrested too.

Some attempted grow rips come to light because the thieves hit the
wrong house, attacking innocent residents who have no idea what is going on.

Anyone with information on this incident can call the Langley RCMP at
604-532-3200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.