RCMP DISMANTLE GROW-OPS

Over 20,000 marijuana plants worth millions. Twelve-gauge shotguns,
assault rifles, pistols. A generator that could easily power an
eight-story building.

Those are just some of the items removed from the Seymour Arm area
following a major drug bust on Oct. 5.

The RCMP's Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit left the area on
Friday after seizing evidence following the large-scale multiple
marijuana grow operations associated with non-traditional organized
crime.

"We used to think of traditional crime as the mafia, and groups like
the Hell's Angels as non-traditional. Well, we know the Hell's Angels
are now a traditional group," said Sgt. John Ward of the RCMP's
E-Division Strategic Communications. "Groups like this one in Seymour
Arm, which is a tightly-knit group, are not likely known to police.
They fly under our radar and continue with this criminal
enterprise."

A total of 16 males were arrested on Tuesday and released with
promises to appear in court. Further charges are pending. Ward said
the 16 males were given support in the operation by other community
members, who may or may not be charged.

The marijuana, said Ward, was headed to destinations in Western
Canada, including Vancouver and Calgary and the United States.

"Investigators, with the assistance of the South East District RCMP,
seized exhibits in connection with the 28 Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act search warrants," said. "All of the 14 properties of
interest have substantial grow operations, ranging in size-" All the
warrants were carried out peacefully.

The scope of the grow-ops range from underground bunkers and
outbuilding/barn grow operations to entire multi-level "factory" grow
operations with grow rooms, nurseries and drying and packaging areas.

Investigators estimate that within the 14 properties of interest, more
than 20,000 plants had been seized, valued in the millions of dollars.
About 50 weapons, many of them loaded, were also taken by police.

Seized Property Management Directorate personnel helped police with
the collection and removal of the seized items, which also included
thousands of grow lights, tonnes of grow equipment and numerous
commercial-grade generators.

At one property, a commercial-grade generator the size of a small
truck was located next to a 2,500-gallon fuel tank. Investigators say
that generator, which could handily power up an eight-story building,
was used to support a 4,500-plant grow op.

The arrests came following a two-year investigation started by the
former Organized Crime Agency of B.C. Helping out were the Chase,
Salmon Arm and Kamloops RCMP detachments, the Co-ordinated Marijuana
Enforcement Team, Calgary Police Service and the B.C. Sheriff
Services. The investigation was launched after police received
complaints of violence and intimidation.