Pubdate: Mon, 25 Nov 2002
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author:  Maureen Gulyas

POT BUST SETS RECORD

Police Seize Marijuana Worth An Estimated $3 Million From Barn On Ladner's 
46A St.

Police busted the largest marijuana grow operation in Delta's history at a 
barn in Ladner this week.

Officers from Delta's drug unit executed a warrant at a barn in the 
4000-block of 46A Street Wednesday afternoon, where they found 2,500 pot 
plants worth an estimated $3 million on the street.

"It would be enough to supply 5,000 Delta youth for 27 years," noted media 
liaison officer Const. Sharlene Brooks.

The operation at a well-kept barn in west Ladner was as sophisticated as 
the drug unit has seen, according to officers involved in the 
investigation. A major investment went into the illicit venture, including 
two $30,000 diesel generators to power lights and heat. In total, drug 
officers carted away $150,000 worth of equipment related to the operation.

Brooks said the crop was about three weeks away from being harvested.

"Some people say marijuana isn't that bad, but what they should understand 
is that the common link to these grow-ops is organized crime," explained 
Brooks.

The marijuana is exported across the border in return for guns and cocaine 
coming into Canada, said Brooks, speaking about grow operations in general.

"This is excellent work by our police officers and we're so fortunate that 
they work so hard for us," said Mayor Lois Jackson, who has championed a 
zero-tolerance policy against indoor grow-ops since taking office three 
years ago.

"We've encouraged this kind of work because of the many situations we had 
in North Delta. It's just not something we're going to tolerate anywhere in 
Delta," Jackson said. "It was an awesome strike."

The barn, confirmed by people who live in the area, is rented. It's been 
around for many years and was once owned by an old Ladner farm family.

Arrests are pending.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart