B.C. TOWN REALLY WAS GOING TO POT

100 Drug Cops Raid Sleepy Seymour Arm

ONE HUNDRED police officers descended on the sleepy, lakeside
community of Seymour Arm, B.C., on Tuesday, culminating a two-year
investigation into what they are calling a sophisticated drug
operation involving half of the town's 60 residents. Officers struck
at 7 a.m., simultaneously executing 28 search warrants for 14 homes
and 14 vehicles, said police spokesman Supt. Marianne Ryan.

Their targets were several large-scale, factory-sized marijuana
grow-ops within a 4-km radius of the town. Many held up to 5,000
plants and had been operating in the rustic town for several years,
police said.

By midday, 16 residents had been arrested, with more expected in the
days ahead.

"The warrants were obtained after an extensive two-year investigation
that grew out of complaints from residents unhappy with the number of
growing operations in the area and complaining of violence, threats
and intimidation," she said. "We've never seen anything like this before."

Worth Millions On Street

Seymour Arm is about 380 km northeast of Vancouver.

Investigators say the harvested marijuana, which was distributed to
Vancouver, Calgary and the United States, was worth millions on the
street.

The say the drug activity was linked to organized crime.

"This wasn't your typical type of organized crime. It works below the
traditional level of organized crime. It's very sophisticated and very
professional," Ryan said.

Sgt. John Ward said some officers were approached by residents and
thanked.

"These people are really glad this is over," he said, adding police
seized a number of firearms but would not elaborate.

Police searched targeted homes throughout the day. Large green bins,
which would later store the plants and growing equipment, lined the
town's dirt street.

Armed police officers stood at intersections and in front of the lone
store, which had been closed for the winter.

"It's about time this happened," said Frank, who did not want to give
his last name. "It's been going on for a long time."