FIRST GROW-OP OF 2003

It didn't take long, this year, for Lake Country RCMP to continue their
campaign against marijuana grow operations.

This year's first bust of a major marijuana grow-op in Lake Country netted
a total of 701 plants, in various stages of maturity. Police executed a
search warrant, under the controlled drugs and substances act, at 10330
Montebella Road in Winfield.

Once inside, RCMP from Kelowna and Lake Country discovered a large-scale
grow operation within the significantly modified rental house. A hydro
bypass was used to gain access to free electricity and avoid detection.

"Initially, it was an anonymous tip and we've been investigating this
(residence) for about year," said Lake Country RCMP Scott Doran. "Walls
were put up and insulation used...It appears to be a commercial venture."

Because of the sophisticated nature of the operation, Doran suspects it was
not a mom and pop operation. A 24-year-old male, who relocated to the area
from Penticton, was taken into custody and is slated to appear in court to
face charges.

The RCMP encourages residents to report suspicious behaviour to the police
or Crime Stoppers. Some signs of a grow operation include plastic or tin
foil on downstairs windows and limited activity. RCMP remind potential
growers that anyone convicted of growing marijuana will see limited, or no,
access to other countries, including the United States.