FIREFIGHTER AND HIS WIFE FACE GROW-OP CHARGES

A firefighter and his wife have now been charged with drug trafficking
after the Delta police raided their North Delta home three weeks ago.

Charged is Vancouver fire captain Randy Jones, 44. His spouse, Shirley
Hum, who works at a law firm, was also charged.

The couple allegedly ran a marijuana grow-op out of their home in the
9200-block of 112th Street.

Delta police executed a search warrant April 12. Officers found 380
plants in the basement of the home, which sits across the street from
Annieville elementary, a fact noted by the police at the time.

"This operation was in a residence very close to an elementary school,
placing surrounding residents and children at risk of harm in the
event of a fire or grow-rip situation," Const. Sharlene Brooks said.

Upon news of Jones' arrest last month, the Vancouver fire department
suspended him without pay.

When contacted by the Optimist, the law firm of McQuarrie Hunter
refused to confirm if Hum is still employed there.

Each is facing two counts of production and two counts of possession
for the purpose of trafficking. The charges were laid Wednesday.

At the time of the seizure, police estimated the couple's grow-op to
have a street value of $140,000.

The Delta police would not confirm if this was the couple's first
foray into the lucrative marijuana business, but a typical residential
grow operation has the potential to yield four crops a year. That has
a potential gross profit, based on street sales in the Lower Mainland,
of between $400,000 and over $600,000 annually.

"Obviously the sophistication of the grower can increase or decrease
these figures," said drug section supervisor Sgt. Harj Sidhu.

Delta police did not originally arrest Hum. It was only Jones taken
into custody, however, following further investigation, police also
recommended charges against Hum.

The couple has three children, two teens and one still in elementary
school.

The couple's next court appearance in Surrey is scheduled for June 20.