MEDICINAL MARIJUANA GROWERS BUSTED

Gov't Wants To Seize Couple's Cars, Boats

The B.C. government is seeking to forfeit three properties, four
vehicles and three boats from two Chilliwack residents it alleges
have violated their medicinal-marijuana licences.

Ken Blais and Ursula Walker had two medicinal marijuana-production
licences allowing them to produce pot at a property on Cultus Lake Road.

The licences together allowed them to grow and cultivate a maximum of
74 marijuana plants, according to court documents.

Acting on a tip from a confidential source, two dozen police officers
from the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, the Abbotsford
police department and the Chilliwack RCMP raided the home on June 3
and found more than 450 plants.

Police also seized 20,000 ecstasy pills, approximately one ounce of
cocaine and small amounts of methamphetamines, along with two guns
and a bullet proof vest.

Street value for the ecstasy was pegged at $60,400 and the marijuana
had a street value at about $126,000, according to police.

Three men, a woman and a 15-year-old teenage boy were arrested during
the raid. Charges are pending against four of those arrested.

The police estimated that more than $6,000 in hydro fees per billing
period were charged to the property, with Blais being the current
hydro subscriber.

The notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court says the
director of civil forfeiture believes the property was used to store
and traffic marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine.

"The director says that, at all material times, the defendants were
aware of the unlawful activity being undertaken at the properties and
that they directly benefited from same," says the lawsuit.

The director alleges that the properties, vehicles and boats are
"instruments of unlawful activity" and should be forfeited.

According to the lawsuit, Blais, who is identified as a hairdresser
and/or self-employed, is the owner of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and
a 2006 Hummer.

Walker, also a hairdresser, is said to be the registered owner of two
Mini Coopers.

Blais is said to share ownership with his son of the three boats.

The two other properties include another home on Cultus Lake Road and
a home on Chilliwack Mountain Road.

No statements of defence have been filed. The defendants could not be
reached. A notice of civil claim contains allegations that have not
been proven in court.