GROW-OP HOUSES CONNECTED

Local police officers and two suspects involved in a drug bust last
week found out first hand you just never know who your neighbours are.

Cpl. John Pilszek of the Major Crime Unit said police were able to
obtain a search warrant Wednesday to look for drugs in the house
located at 1150 12th Avenue based on evidence given by the suspect's
neighbours, who just happened to be two police officers and a sheriff.

"They all know the smell of marijuana very well," Pilszek said of the
law enforcement officers, who detected a strong odour of marijuana
coming from the house.

Once inside, police discovered the entire house was being used solely
as a base for a marijuana grow operation, housing 392 plants in
various stages of cultivation, Pilszek said.

Pilszek said two Asian men from the Lower Mainland, who refused to
cooperate with police, were living in very sparse conditions in the
house, sleeping on foamies on the floor.

Through the course of the police investigation at the 12th Avenue
home, police were also led to a second house on South Lakeside, at
1706 Hazel Street, where another 912 marijuana plants were seized,
bringing the total amount of plants seized to 1304.

"There was enough pot in these marijuana grow operations to have every
kid in a 1,000-student high school supplied with marijuana for about
two-and-a-half-months -- that's heavy users, using dope every day of
the week," Pilszek said.

The suspects, who are in their 40s, were arrested and will face
several charges relating to the grow operations. An Asian woman, also
from the Lower Mainland, is said to have purchased both homes involved
in the bust a few months ago.

Pilszek said it's not uncommon for police to find out-of-town
residents setting up grow operations in the rural areas, but what
makes this seizure so troubling is its location in the city.

"It is disturbing when we find (a grow operation) in a residential
area where there are kids and schools near by," Pilszek said.

Pilszek said the house on 12th Avenue was equipped with carbon filters
which are commonly used in grow operations to lessen the smell of
marijuana. He said one entire room was even filled with as much as a
tonne of dirt. Officers also found a hydro diversion was set up at
both residences which allowed the suspects to steal power.

"These houses were being utilized for the sole purpose of cultivating
marijuana," Pilszek said, noting a mini van and the two homes may be
permanently seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The suspects are believed to have returned to the Lower Mainland,
while they await charges.

"They're going to be charged and held accountable."