POT BUST TRUE COLD CASE

Chilly House Raised People's Suspicions

Those who grow grass in houses should keep their windows closed --
especially when running an air conditioner during the coldest summer on
record. Two men, ages 45 and 50, were charged with producing and possession
of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking following a police raid
Thursday evening at 148 Amber Trail.

Seized 800 plants

Police seized 800 marijuana plants with a potential street value of up to
$980,000, grow equipment worth $10,000, and $5,000 cash from the Maples house.

"We were suspicious of the odour coming from the house," said a neighbour.
"The air conditioner was always on and the windows were always open -- even
on cold days."

Residents weren't surprised a grow operation had been spotted in their
upscale neighbourhood.

"It's a little bit shocking, but I'm not surprised," said Richard, who
didn't give his last name. "People want to get rich quick. They don't want
to work."

Neighbours said two men were seen around the house infrequently. Police
said the men live in Winnipeg, but neither suspect lived at the Amber Trail
home.

"Mostly they were never around. Somebody would come once a week to cut the
lawn," said one neighbour.

Nobody wanted to be identified since police believe the men are connected
to an Asian organized crime group.

"We watched the cops drive around the neighbourhood in unmarked cars, then
they went in," said a resident who watched the raid. "When they came out,
they were carrying stuff covered with sheets."

Police also searched a Chevy van parked in the driveway. Both suspects were
released on a promise to appear in court.