POT BUST ONTARIO'S BIGGEST

Thousands of Plants Are Discovered in a Former Molson Brewery In
Barrie.

BARRIE -- More than 100 police officers converged on the site of a
former Molson brewery yesterday, exposing what they say was the
largest marijuana grow operation in Ontario history. Ten people were
arrested and officers hunted for others possibly hiding in the
three-storey building.

"The building is very elaborate," said Ontario Provincial Police Supt.
Bill Crate. "There are concerns about booby traps. There are concerns
about hydro and the way that its set up."

Thousands and thousands of marijuana plants, being cultivated with
sophisticated watering and chemical grow devices, were believed to be
on the site -- an 11,250-square-metre building in an industrial area.

"You drive by this brewery on the 400 highway," said Crate. "I find it
quite interesting that something is occurring like this under
everybody's nose."

Crate said the police had never seen a grow operation of this
magnitude.

The 10 people arrested did not put up any resistance.

Crate said charges will be laid in the next few days.

Molson closed the brewery -- a landmark for motorists on Highway 400
- -- in August of 2000, laying off 400 people.

A Molson spokesperson said yesterday that the brewery had sat idle
since it was sold.

The New VR television station reported that For Lease signs could be
spotted dangling from the concrete building.

Throughout the day and into the night police officers continually
entered and exited the large building, carrying special equipment,
while officers blocked off the area from the public.

Crate said it will take several days to complete the search of the
building and secure the area.

He said before police even begin to tally a dollar amount for the
plants growing inside the former brewery, specially trained units
continue to ensure the area is safe for the investigators.

"There can be booby traps and bombs -- we don't want to take any
chances."