BILL FOR BUSTS ON WAY TO HOMEOWNERS

Three owners whose homes were busted for marijuana grow operations last
week are facing bills for the policing costs of busting the cultivation rooms.

Last month, city council passed a modified controlled substances bylaw,
which eliminated the one "free" grow op before homeowners are charged for
costs associated with breaking down a grow op.

A week ago, on Feb. 17, 336 plants were seized after a bust in the
2700-block of Mountview Street. The following day, two people were arrested
after 650 plants were found inside a home in the 3240-block of Goldfinch
Street. Ministry of Children and Family Development was also called, as
children were living in the home.

One male was arrested after 367 plants were discovered in a home in the
2300-block of Cascade Street, and police pulled 272 pot plants from a home
in the 3000-block of Curlew Drive on Thursday.

"In three of four of these warrants we are billing the home owners for
policing costs under they new bylaw," said Const. Shinder Kirk. "Home
owners may want to be reminded that they can be held accountable for
policing costs under the amended bylaw."