Pubdate: Tue, 14 Jan 2003
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Pablo Fernandez

ANGER FOLLOWS RAIDS

Chestermere Neighbourhood Upset Over Grass Operation

The serenity of a new Chestermere neighbourhood was shattered when 20 
officers from seven police units conducted the biggest drug bust in 
Chestermere history Friday.

"I'm actually really angry," said Patrina, a neighbour who asked to be 
identified by her first name only. She lives next to one of the seven 
houses in an 18-home cul-de-sac that were stormed by Calgary, Chestermere, 
Brooks and Strathmore officers.

"I don't like the fact that they were doing this in my cul-de-sac," said 
Patrina. "But I'm also sad for the children."

Young children lived in at least one of the houses in which search warrants 
were executed, said neighbours.

The amount of pot and equipment recovered from the intricate grow operation 
is estimated at $3 million, said Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Glenn De Goeij.

Patrina saw the heavy police presence in the small cul-de-sac when she went 
outside to get her mail and spoke with one of the officers shortly before 6 
p.m.

"He turned to me and asked 'Are you going out?' and I said no," recalled 
Patrina.

"He said 'Get back in your house ma'am.' "

As she reached her door, Patrina heard the "big bang" of officers crashing 
through her neighbour's door.

"Police were yelling for people to get down," said another neighbour who 
asked not to be identified.

"They yelled at me to get away from the window," she said.

"Nobody really moved into the area but all the houses were rented out," 
said William Kaschl.

"All the basement windows were barred up and you couldn't see into the 
homes," said Patrina. The windows of a neighbour who shared a home with one 
of the pot-growing duplexes often fogged up from humidity.

The operation was so power-intensive some of the homes' transformers blew 
from the strain.

Police found 2,000 plants only a month away from harvesting, as well as 
elaborate lighting and ventilation systems carved into the structure of the 
homes.

The bust led police to three more Chestermere homes which they raided 
Saturday night.

Police recovered a further $1.5 million in equipment and plants, said De Goeij.

Of the 10 houses raided, only two were lived in, with the rest being used 
for growing only, he said.

Five men face charges in connection with the busts.
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