GROW-OP RAID COULD RESULT IN FIRST TEST OF MUNICIPAL BYLAW

Police raid on residential property expected to prompt first use of
Peachland's contolled substances property remediation bylaw.

A Peachland marijuana growing operation raided Thursday will be one of
the first tests of a new controlled substances bylaw in the
municipality.

RCMP offciers descended on a house in the 5200-block of Pineridge Road
early Thursday afternoon with a search warrant.

"We had some information of a possible grow op at this location," said
Cpl. Gerry Guiltenane.

Police had investigated the possible grow op over the past few weeks,
said Guiltenane, leading to a search warrant being secured.

Guiltenane said the smell of marijuana was evident just on the
perimeter of the property.

"We have two people in custody at the moment," said Guiltenane, adding
they are a male and female and believed to be married. Their ages were
not available.

A neighbour walking by the scene Thursday said he believed the two
rented the home.

"It looks to be about 300 or so plants inside this residence," said
Guiltenane.

RCMP were unsure early on if a hydro bypass had been installed at the
location, but Guiltenane said the wiring for the grow op looked
makeshift and "very dangerous."

Members of the fire department were called in to make sure there was
no immediate fire hazard.

Animal control arrived to take custody of a large dog in the home and
B.C. Hydro arrived shortly after RCMP to cut power to the home.

Guiltenane said he believes Thursday's bust marks one of the first
times a home will come under Peachland's new controlled substances
property remediation bylaw, enacted by district council in August.

The bylaw covers homes that have been used for marijuana grow
operations and meth labs, and spells out what needs to be done with a
property used for those functions before it can be reoccupied.

Fire chief Grant Topham hung 'Do not enter' signs on the home's doors,
warning anyone who approaches that the home is considered dangerous
and not habitable.

The home cannot be occupied again until a number of requirements are
met, including:

- - The payment of all necessary fees to the district, including bylaw
officer and firefighter time.

- - That all necessary permits have been taken out to effect repairs to
the home.

- - The bylaw officer has inspected the home and deemed it suitable to
live in.

The home's owner must either remove and dispose of all carpets and
curtains or have them cleaned by a professional cleaner.

Air ducts in homes with forced-air heating must be cleaned
professionally and mould or water-damaged materials must be removed or
all walls and ceilings must be cleaned and disinfected by a
professional cleaner.

No one is allowed to live in the Pineridge home until the bylaw's
requirements have been met.