HOME SEIZED UNDER FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Mission RCMP have made use of federal legislation to step up their
attempts to deter marijuana grow ops.

Local police have successfully seized a house which was used to grow
about 600 plants.

This is the first home local police have seized under federal
legislation, but it will not be the last, promises Mission RCMP Insp.
Pat Walsh.

"I want to make sure growers are well aware that when we come to seize
your marijuana, we will also be looking to seize your home," said Walsh.

On Nov. 29, 2005, RCMP executed a search warrant at 32973 Orchid Place
on the suspicion of hydro theft and found a sophisticated marijuana
grow operation in the basement.

The owner of the home, Van Dai Nguyen, was charged with production of
a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Further charges are pending.

According to residents in the quiet cul de sac, Nguyen has had the
property for over two years, and most suspected something was amiss.

The home was always closed up, and some neighbours even questioned his
story of studying to become a monk in Mission.

Neighbours say there was no odour coming from the home to make them
suspect a marijuana grow op, but according to Walsh, there are a lot
of ways to mask the smell these days.

After taking down the grow op, RCMP asked the court to "restrain" the
property under the federal legislation which applies to any property
being utilized in the commission of a criminal offence. In
mid-December, the B.C. Supreme court issued a restraint and management
order on the property.

The restraint on the property is also recorded in the land titles
registry, which will let potential buyers of the home know its
history, added Walsh.

While Nguyen still owns the rancher, there are conditions he has to
abide by, such as maintaining the property and not disposing of it.
Police will try to get the property forfeited to crow, but that
process will not go ahead until after the trial, said Walsh.

"I'm happy we're able to show the public we're doing our best to take
the profit out of this," said Walsh, who is confident criminals will
be deterred from this activity when they realize their home can be
lost.

Since bringing in a grow coordinator in October, Mission RCMP are
taking down at least one marijuana grow op a week on average. Under
Walsh's leadership, local police now have the resources and expertise
to go after the property owners. And instead of tying up valuable
police resources taking down the grow ops, the task is now being
contracted out to a private company.

"Our members investigate the tips, and if it comes to fruition, we
(seek) the warrant, and it's executed by the grow coordinator and on
duty staff. As soon as the scene is secure, we call the contractors,"
explained Walsh. "This is more efficient and more effective."