CITY POLICE ROOT OUT ANOTHER POT CROP

City police shut down another indoor marijuana-growing operation this
week, adding more weight to allegations an Asian-based crime group is
operating in Manitoba.

Police said yesterday a raid Thursday at 80 Gemini Ave. in North
Kildonan was the result of information obtained during a raid March 5
in Fort Whyte.

Three weeks ago, police found 527 marijuana plants, with an estimated
street value of $590,240, at a home at 43 Wittenberg Rd.

Police said further investigation led them to the home at 80 Gemini Ave.

They found 486 marijuana plants, with an estimated street value of
$555,520, plus growing equipment.

Investigators say the "grows" appear to be connected and that an
investigation continues. A 44-year-old male faces charges of producing
marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possessing marijuana. He
was released on a promise to appear.

City police have made several large, high-profile raids of hydroponic
marijuana-growing operations in Winnipeg residential areas this year.

There have also been seizures of marijuana shipments moving on the
province's highways, including several at West Hawk Lake.

Police have said they believe an Asian crime group is behind the
setting up of the grow operations and the smuggling of marijuana into
the United States.

The Winnipeg Real Estate Board decided this week not to go along with
a proposal that it hold talks with police about real estate agents
working with officers in the war on drugs.

"There were a couple of realtors concerned that they might be possible
targets of gang activity," said president Cliff King. But he said he
believes real estate agents will report illegal activity when they see
it.