TWO SEARCH WARRANTS EXECUTED

Agassiz RCMP, with the assistance of Hope and Chilliwack RCMP,
executed a search warrant last Saturday, May 12. Three
people were taken into custody and charged with theft of hydro,
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking,
and production of a controlled substance.

Later in the afternoon another search warrant was executed
where two people were taken in to custody and also,
charged with theft of hydro, possession of a controlled substance for
the purpose of trafficking, and production of a controlled substance.

"Between both residences five people were arrested and approximately
1,000 marijuana plants were seized along with numerous other items
related to the proposed charges," Cst. Holmquist says.

He says marijuana grow-ops pose health and safety issues.

"Some of these risks include hazards such as chemical disposal,
electrical hazards associated to make shift wiring and power theft,
fire hazards due to overheated ballasts and faulty wiring, structural
damage caused by smashing holes through foundations and channeling
vent ducts as well as mold, humidity and water damage associated to
these grow sites." says Holmquist.

"The more grow operations we dismantle, the greater chance we have of
increasing public safety," Holmquiest says. "Violence has always been
an intrinsic part of production, trafficking and distribution of
illicit drugs, and marijuana is no exception.

"This is a prime example when we have the community working with the
RCMP to report suspicious activity that has lead to the discovery of
these residences and resulting arrests."

There are numerous signs of marijuana grow operations such
as:

* residents rarely appear to be home

* when they do arrive, they usually pull into the garage to conceal
their activities

* exterior of residence may be untidy, have numerous bags of potting
soil and plastic pots

* visitors arrive at odd hours

* windows may be covered and have condensation

* strange odours such as a skunk-like smell emanating from the
residence

* signs of digging around a hydro power box