GROW-OP FOUND HIDDEN BEHIND 'BALE BUNKER'

From the road, it was a common rural scene -- bales of straw stacked in a
farmyard. But a closer look showed what Stonewall RCMP believe was a large
marijuana "grow-op" that was about to go into production.

"We're calling this our bale bunker," said Sgt. Gerry Thomas. "The outside
wall was all thousand-pound straw bales." Inside, beneath a tarp, was
enough electrical wiring to run a large illegal grow operation, he said.

"It is an absolute common site to see straw bales stacked on a farm."

The RCMP found the suspicious setup after being called to a farm in the
Rural Municipality of Rockwood to investigate an attempted break and enter.
They looked behind the straw bales while searching for the suspected
culprit, who was never found, Thomas said.

Although RCMP believe the site had been in previous operation and recently
refurbished to repair damage caused by excess humidity, no marijuana or
seeds were found at the site and no charges will result from the
investigation, Thomas said.

But officers called Manitoba Hydro officials, who disconnected the
electricity to the bunker and will not reconnect until it meets standards,
he said.