NEARLY UP IN SMOKE

$2M In Pot Plants Found In Burning Warehouse

An elaborate lighting and heating system proved to be the downfall of a
marijuana growing operation, Toronto Police said yesterday after uncovering
$2 million in drugs in a burning warehouse. "A lot of money had been
invested in this," Sgt. Stephen Nevill said after returning from the Rogers
Rd. building near Weston Rd.

'Every Square Foot'

Fire fighters stumbled on the massive grow-op after a blaze erupted in the
building about 4 a.m.

After knocking down the flames, they turned the investigation over to
police, who found close to 2,000 plants just about ready for harvest,
Nevill said.

The drug lab "took up every every square foot of the warehouse. The whole
building was used for growing marijuana," said the officer with 12
Division's Community Response Unit.

Faulty Wiring Blamed

Fire officials told police the blaze was sparked by faulty wiring that had
been rigged up to provide light and heat for the plants.

Investigators believe they have identified the owner of the warehouse and
were trying to locate him yesterday, Nevill said.