Pubdate: Thu, 03 Aug 2006
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Elise Stolte
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.

ENOUGH POT FOR THREE MILLION JOINTS

Outdoor Grow-Op Bust One Of The Biggest In Alberta History, RCMP Say

EDMONTON - RCMP seized and burned over 5,000 marijuana plants from a 
dozen rural greenhouses Wednesday in one of the largest outdoor 
seizures in Alberta's history.

"Picture three million joints," RCMP spokesman Wayne Oakes said. 
"That's almost enough for everyone in the province of Alberta."

Following up on a tip, RCMP found the grow operation near Evansburg, 
90 kilometres west of Edmonton.

The 12 greenhouses, on two separate sites, were in a remote area 
accessible only by a single road and hidden by thick brush from the 
main highway. Police refused to give the exact location.

RCMP, acting with Edmonton police, raided the two sites early 
Wednesday morning. They seized 5,523 plants and arrested four men. 
Charges and further arrests are expected, Oakes said.

The marijuana ranged in maturity from small cuttings to plants ready 
for harvest. Eleven kilograms of processed marijuana were also seized.

They were grown in 12 simple plastic-covered frames on two separate 
properties. No hydroponic equipment or weapons were reported.

Both locations were very close to Chip Lake, giving easy access to 
abundant water, Oakes said.

"That likely contributed to the success. It was a fairly 
sophisticated operation," Oakes said.

He wouldn't put a dollar figure on the find, saying it "might lure 
other people to participate in this type of activity." But in a 
similar operation last summer, RCMP seized 2,300 plants from nine 
outdoor sites and estimated the street value at more than $2 million.

In a separate investigation on Wednesday, Vegreville RCMP seized 414 
mature marijuana plants along with harvested marijuana and a 
long-barrelled rifle near Mundare. That find is estimated at $200,000.

Two suspects fled when police arrived but were tracked down by a 
police dog and his handler.

Mundare resident [Name redacted], 58, and Onoway residents [Name 
Redacted], 29, and Patricia Grace Dea, 29, were all charged with 
production and possession of controlled substances in connection with 
the Mundare investigation.
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