KID, 3, FOUND IN GROW-OP

A three-year-old child was found in the dangerous confines of a
marijuana grow operation raided by the Richmond RCMP last week.

Local police executed a search warrant at a house on Fairbrook
Crescent, and discovered 371 marijuana plants inside. The plants were
seized and a man and woman were taken into custody and face charges of
production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of
trafficking.

Richmond RCMP Const. Peter Thiessen said it was a disturbing fact that
the couple was willing to endanger the life of their child.

Aside from the normal dangers associated with a grow operation, such
as fire hazards, chemicals and fertilizers, grow-ops are often raided
by police and are often broken into.

It was apparent that the family was living in the house, Thiessen
said.

Thiessen said the Ministry of Children and Families was brought in to
deal with the child.

Police also seized 218 marijuana plants, including 70 clones, at a
house on Sunnymede Crescent. A man and woman were arrested.

To date, since the inception of Operation Green Clean last October,
more than 5,800 plants and clones, and 14 people have been charged.