Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2003
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Emma Poole

POT BUST BOOTY GOES UP IN SMOKE

It was a sight for bloodshot eyes -- $5 million in illegal marijuana going 
up in smoke.

In a record-setting burn, Strathmore Mounties destroyed more than 513 
kilograms of the drug that had been seized in several area raids since January.

"This was a big burn," said Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Glenn De Goeij. 
"(The marijuana) was in all stages of growth, but a lot of it had already 
decomposed."

The weed had been stored in an undisclosed secure RCMP facility since its 
seizure at the beginning of the year. The confiscated drugs were taken by 
officers from a series of illegal marijuana grow operations in Strathmore, 
Chestermere and Inverlake Road -- all just east of the city limits.

De Goeij said the burn was the largest in the detachment's history.

It was so large, extra fire crews were brought in to help torch the drugs 
at the Global Training Centre near Strathmore.

The drugs have all been linked to various organized crime groups and have 
netted investigators 10 arrests.

"Our investigation is continuing," said De Goeij. "We're anticipating more 
arrests."

In January, Strathmore RCMP, along with police from Calgary, raided seven 
homes on one Chestermere cul-de-sac. Marijuana worth more than $3 million 
was found in the upscale homes.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom