Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jan 2003
Source: Lake Country Calendar (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Lake Country News
Contact:  http://www.lakecountrynews.net
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2229
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

FIRST GROW-OP OF 2003

It didn't take long, this year, for Lake Country RCMP to continue their 
campaign against marijuana grow operations.

This year's first bust of a major marijuana grow-op in Lake Country netted 
a total of 701 plants, in various stages of maturity. Police executed a 
search warrant, under the controlled drugs and substances act, at 10330 
Montebella Road in Winfield.

Once inside, RCMP from Kelowna and Lake Country discovered a large-scale 
grow operation within the significantly modified rental house. A hydro 
bypass was used to gain access to free electricity and avoid detection.

"Initially, it was an anonymous tip and we've been investigating this 
(residence) for about year," said Lake Country RCMP Scott Doran. "Walls 
were put up and insulation used...It appears to be a commercial venture."

Because of the sophisticated nature of the operation, Doran suspects it was 
not a mom and pop operation. A 24-year-old male, who relocated to the area 
from Penticton, was taken into custody and is slated to appear in court to 
face charges.

The RCMP encourages residents to report suspicious behaviour to the police 
or Crime Stoppers. Some signs of a grow operation include plastic or tin 
foil on downstairs windows and limited activity. RCMP remind potential 
growers that anyone convicted of growing marijuana will see limited, or no, 
access to other countries, including the United States.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager