Pubdate: Mon, 30 Aug 2004
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Maureen Gulyas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

THIRD POT SEIZURE IN LADNER IN AS MANY WEEKS

Delta police have broken down yet another marijuana grow operation in
Ladner, the third such incident in the past few weeks.

This time, three people including a 25-year-old Ladner resident, were
arrested as police executed the search warrant Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
in the 4600-block of 45 Avenue.

"In the last three weeks, we've done seven grow-ops and I believe
three of those were in Ladner," said media liaison officer Const.
Sharlene Brooks.

Police believe the home was a rental property. The suspects bypassed
the electricity in order to run the indoor growing operation.

"They did their own wiring and it was not up to specs shall we say. It
was very dangerous," Brooks said.

Police seized a .22 caliber rifle from the residence, 365 mature
plants worth an estimated $135,000 on the street, as well as growing
equipment.

As the trio left the home and were stopped by police, officers found
another five pounds of pre-packaged pot, ready for sale.

"Those plants were just ready to be harvested. They were very mature
plants," Brooks said adding the department has a "very active drug
section."

All three, which include two female suspects from Richmond and
Burnaby, are facing charges of possession for the purpose of
trafficking and production of a controlled substance.

"Delta police continue to aggressively investigate drug-related
offences being committed in our community and are holding those
responsible and accountable before the courts," Brooks said. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake