Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jan 2006
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Sherri Zickefoose
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

LANDLORD JAILED FOR GROW OP

A Calgary landlord has been sent to prison for allowing drug 
traffickers to grow marijuana crops in one of his properties.

Justice Karen Horner sentenced Veng Yoo Taing to 21/2 years in jail 
on drug charges and six months for theft of electricity.

Taing was found to be an integral part of a massive marijuana growing 
operation as the willing homeowner, Court of Queen's Bench heard Tuesday.

On March 26, 2004, police searching a house owned by Taing discovered 
a $1.6-million pot-growing operation on Shawbrooke Green S.W.

Equipment seized from the sophisticated three-stage operation 
included fans, lights and an exhaust system.

Taing was arrested on the premises.

The 758-plant crop was the second-largest bust made in two years in 
Calgary police District 8. The lush crops had the potential to bring 
in over a half million dollars for each mature stage sold on the street.

Taing's lawyer, Charlie Stewart, told the judge his client was simply 
attempting to create a stable financial base for his wife and three 
children by purchasing old homes and fixing them up as rental property.

His failure, Stewart said, followed when his tenants approached him 
with an offer he couldn't refuse.

"And that's what occurred," said Stewart. "He is totally remorseful. 
He is ashamed of what shame he's brought on his family."

In a trembling voice, Taing told Horner he spent years working hard 
to build a life for his family before he made the fateful decision to 
allow a grow operation to be run out of a house he owned.

Taing was 32 when he was charged.
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