WHAT A JACKPOT

Major Drug Operation At Former Molson Site

BARRIE -- Police tactical units and K-9 dog teams are searching the
inside of the former Molson's brewery for bombs and booby-traps after
police uncovered what they say is the largest and most elaborate
indoor marijuana grow operation in Ontario. More than 100 officers
from combined forces swarmed the massive 1.16 hectare, three-storey
building on Big Bay Point Rd. yesterday while police helicopters
hovered in the sky.

Ten people were arrested on the site and taken into custody. Police
are tracking more suspects.

'PLACE IS HUGE'

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

"This place is huge -- there are a lot of good hiding places," OPP
Superintendent Bill Crate said. "We don't know if there are other
suspects hiding inside."

He said before police even begin to put a dollar value on the
"thousands and thousands" of marijuana plants growing inside the
former brewery, specially trained units continue to ensure the area is
safe for investigators.

'BOOBY-TRAPS'

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

The former Molson brewery and bottling plant shut its doors a few
years ago. A private developer bought the location and has leased some
of the area to six or seven small businesses. Crate would not
elaborate on whether the businesses were a front to the drug operation
that had been under surveillance.

"I can say that it is a very sophisticated, well-organized operation
involving an elaborate growing system."

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

Formal charges will not be laid against the 10 individuals until they
have been brought before a Justice of the Peace, possibly today.