RCMP REPORT HUGE HAUL FROM SUMMER HARVEST

Kootenay Boundary Regional RCMP Detachment

Over the summer months members of Kootenay Boundary Regional
Detachment conducted an investigation into the illegal production of
marijuana and seized more than 20 000 marijuana plants from 96 outdoor
sites throughout the West Kootenay/Boundary.

Numerous samples were obtained from plants seized at the various sites
to determine the average yield of the plants, some of which reached 14
feet (4 metres) in height. Based on these figures, it is estimated
that the seized plants would have produced approximately 22,570 pounds
of marijuana bud or the equivalent of in excess of 40 million
marijuana cigarettes.

The majority of the grow sites were located on Crown land and were
unattended when discovered; however, in three instances search
warrants were executed at grow operations located on private property.
As a result, five individuals are facing a number of charges,
including production of a controlled substance, under the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act.

Greg Lay, the mayor of Kaslo and a professional forester, commented on
the significant environmental damage that can occur from the presence
of outdoor marijuana grow operations. "When water is diverted from its
natural course, as is often the case with the man-made irrigation
systems at outdoor grow ops, instability and failure of the nearby
slopes can result. These failures place our roads, streams, and other
water resources at risk and cause considerable damage to our natural
environment."

Inspector Nick Romanchuk, the Officer in Charge of Kootenay Boundary
Regional Detachment stated that, "The amount of marijuana seized
during this investigation clearly speaks to the extreme quantities of
marijuana produced in the West Kootenay/Boundary and throughout
British Columbia. I have absolutely no doubt that the majority of this
marijuana is distributed and exported by the hands of organized
criminal groups to other markets in Canada and the United States.
While we certainly haven't eliminated the marijuana industry, the
effect of removing in excess of 40 million marjuana cigarettes from
the illicit market will have a significant impact on the safety of our
communities."