POLICE SEIZE $80,000 WORTH IN WEED

INNERKIP - Oxford Community Police got their man and his pot yesterday
afternoon, seizing an estimated $80,000 of marijuana from a rural
address in Blandford-Blenheim.

After an investigation lasting several days, the OCPS drug enforcement
section searched the property at 746064 TownshipRoad 4. They found 68
marijuana plants awaiting harvest on the property worth some $68,000.
Inside the residence was an additional 1.36 kilograms of dried
marijuana with a street value of $12,000.

"For the past three or four weeks we've targeted these outdoor
marijuana operations and this is one of those kind of operations,"
said Det. Sgt. Daryl Longworth. "If we can (once we locate the
plants), we like to spend the time to identify those
responsible.

"With the numbers we're dealing with, we often just go out and grab
the plants, but this was one case where we were able to link the grow
to someone," said Longworth.

Along with the dope, police also seized three vehicles - one of which
was stolen - and one unloaded firearm.

A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with production of a
controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the
purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property valued over
$5,000 and unsafe storage of a firearm. He was later released pending
an appearance inWoodstock court.

OCPS continue to investigate other potential sites for rural marijuana
grows, with Longworth noting the cooler, damper weather has given
police a bit more time to try and link grows with their harvesters.

"The plants are a bit behind this year, just like all the other
crops," said Longworth. "With the time, we like to investigate if the
property owner or the homeowner are involved."