Pubdate: Fri, 24 Dec 2004
Source: Stony Plain Reporter, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Stony Plain Reporter
Contact:  http://www.stonyplainreporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3370
Author: Christopher Nash
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

COPS MAKE MAJOR POT BUST

Police busted a major grow operation north of Stony Plain last
weekend.

RCMP and Edmonton Police Services descended on a house in Rolling
Hills subdivision, about 10 kilometres north of Stony, to execute a
search warrant Friday afternoon.

Police discovered an extensive marijuana operation
inside.

"This was a huge find," said RCMP Cpl. Wayne Oakes.

"There was a very extensive grow op in the basement of the
residence."

Police found 1,218 marijuana plants growing under 28 high-intensity
lights at the scene.

They estimate the street value of the pot at between $1.2 and $1.5
million.

Health conditions due to the existence of the grow op were so bad
inside the house that Capital Health has since condemned the building.
"The residence has been condemned because of extensive mould," said
Oakes.

A couple living in the house was arrested and charged as a result of
the bust.

Two children under five-years-old who were living in the home are now
in the temporary care of a close family friend or relative, said Oakes.

A teenage girl who was a family friend visiting the house at the time
of the bust was determined to have no part in the operation, and was
released.

Dat Pham, 33, and Duon Dinh, 27, face charges of cultivating
marijuana, possession for the purposes of trafficking amounts over
three kilograms, and theft of power.

They made their first court appearance in Stony Plain Wednesday
morning.

Oakes said the incident is a reminder that grow ops can be found
anywhere, and residents should be on the lookout if they notice
suspicious activity in their area.

"It can be any kind of neighbourhood, and any kind of neighbour that
can be involved in something like this," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Derek