GROW-OP BYLAW PUT TO THE TEST

The uncovering of a grow-op will soon reveal the impact the new Controlled
Substance Property Bylaw may have. On Wednesday, June 29, members of the
Hope RCMP entered a house on Ferry Landing Place. The RCMP had obtained a
search warrant to search the premises.

Within the residence police located a sophisticated marijuana grow operation
consisting of 1410 marijuana plants. Nearly every bedroom within the 3
storey home had been converted for growing marijuana," says Cst. K.G.
Bosnell of the Hope RCMP in a press release.

Power to the residence was disconnected as a Hydro diversion was in place
resulting in a theft of Hydro electricity and dangerous wiring," says
Bosnell.

The grow-op is the first to fall under the new District of Hope's controlled
substance property bylaw that holds owners responsible and requires
homeowners to do regular inspections.

Charges and fines are being sought under the bylaw for the owner and/or
occupants of the residence," says Bosnell. No arrests were made when the
warrant was executed.

Possible charges include the possession of marijuana for the purpose of
trafficking, production of a controlled substance and theft of electricity.