Pubdate: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 Source: Vulcan Advocate (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Vulcan Advocate Contact: http://www.vulcanadvocate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3258 Author: Catherine Pooley Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) MAJOR DRUG BUST IN RURAL VULCAN COUNTY The Vulcan RCMP lead a bust on a marijuana grow-op west of Lomond. Seized was $727,500 worth of drugs. In what Vulcan RCMP officers are calling the largest marijuana seizure in the area's recent history, 582 marijuana plants with an approximate street value of $727,500 were uprooted on Aug. 3. The grow-op was located in rural Vulcan County, three miles west of the Village of Lomond. The home, which was a rental property, has now been condemned. Upon the police entering the home they found a full hydroponic equipment set-up inside, a grow set up in the quonset as well as an outside grow of nearly 50 plants, according to Cpl. Greg Squire of the Vulcan detachment. He was obviously happy to get this sort of grow-op out of the area. "We are certainly glad to have this removed," said Cpl. Squire. "In recent history this is by far the largest seizure in Vulcan County." The operation was begun by the Vulcan RCMP, lead by prime investigator Cst. Matt Allen. High River officers and the Southern Alberta Marijuana Investigative Team, or SAMIT, were also on hand for the joint venture take down. Southern Alberta RCMP and the City of Calgary Police Service have combined forces to create SAMIT, or the 'green team' as they are known. According to a member of that team, the bust in Vulcan County is on par with what they are seeing on a regular basis. One person was taken into custody and, according to RCMP, the investigation is ongoing. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth