Pubdate: Fri, 01 Apr 2005 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Lena Sin, with files from David Carrigg Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/grow+operations NINETEEN GROW-OPS BUSTED IN ONE TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX Nineteen grow-ops have been busted in a well-manicured, 90-unit Richmond townhome complex this month, resulting in the seizure of 1,350 plants. "This is clearly an example of what the grow-op industry is developing into," said Richmond RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen. "It's in every corner of where we live." The investigation was sparked by a home invasion on March 10 when three masked gunmen busted into a Cranberry Lane townhome in the 22200-block of Sharpe Avenue. A 38-year-old woman and 45-year-old man, were held at gunpoint as one of the gunmen ran upstairs and then yelled, "We've got the wrong place." The trio apologized and left. A subsequent investigation led police to a grow-op next door, which then led to the discovery of several more in the complex. On March 24, two search warrants were executed in two units. On Wednesday, another 16 grow-ops were busted, bringing the total to 19. Only three people have been arrested. Police suspect about 7,000 plants were removed before the raids. "It's happening right next door and you don't even know it," said neighbour Joanne Decelis. "That's the scary thing, you don't know what's happening around you." Jonathan Merrick, who didn't know his neighbours were housing grow-ops, said: "They've become so ubiquitous . . . it's just like, oh, another grow-op." Last month, Mounties busted 28 grow-ops in a townhouse complex in Coquitlam. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin