SAANICH HOUSE SEIZED YEARS AFTER GROW-OP FOUND

A home in Saanich has been seized by the province under the Civil
Forfeiture Act more than five years after police uncovered a drug
operation inside.

Saanich police searched the home, in the 900 block of Karen Crescent,
in December 2006 and found a sprawling grow-operation of 366
marijuana plants in the basement, police spokesman Sgt. Dean Jantzen said.

A man and woman who owned the house were charged with drug production
and possession for the purpose of trafficking, but were never convicted.

Police recommended the home be seized under the act, which gives the
province the power to seize homes if it can prove they are used for
the proceeds of crime.

The Office of Civil Forfeiture took 70 per cent of the net equity,
$75,000, after the home was sold in December.

Homes have been seized in Victoria and across the Island in
connection with drug crimes, but civil liberties groups oppose the
measure, saying it circumvents the court process.

"It's an excellent example of the jeopardy you face if you intend to
grow marijuana in our community," Jantzen said.

On Monday, Saanich police found a grow-op in a home in the 4200 block
of Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue.

Officers seized more than 400 marijuana plants and a .22 calibre
rifled with ammunition.

A 27-year-old man and 25-year-old woman were arrested and face
charges of drug production and drug possession for the purpose of trafficking.