Pubdate: Fri, 23 Apr 2010 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: Matthew Claxton Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) HOME INVADERS TARGET MARIJUANA GROW OP A pot grower fought with violent intruders in Aldergrove earlier this week. Langley police say a violent encounter between a marijuana grower and thieves trying to steal his crop has sparked a major investigation. The Langley RCMP were first called to the area of 60th Avenue and 253rd Street on Monday after a report of suspicious men seen in the area, said RCMP Cpl. Holly Marks. Mounties quickly found a nearby home harbouring a 500-plant marijuana growing operation. Police pieced together the evidence and believe the home's occupant defended the grow op from intruders. During a fight, at least one intruder was hurt. Police aren't saying whether any gunshots were fired, but they have charged the home's occupant with a number of gun related charges. Zane Soper, 53, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession or a prohibited or restricted firearm, as well as drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and production of a controlled substance. Police are not saying what kind of gun was found, because the investigation is ongoing, said Marks. While charges have been laid, police hope to find the invaders who attacked the grow op as well. Robberies of marijuana grow operations, usually called grow rips, are often violent, but unless someone is hurt or seriously killed, they may go unreported. The growers can't go to the police because they would be arrested too. Some attempted grow rips come to light because the thieves hit the wrong house, attacking innocent residents who have no idea what is going on. Anyone with information on this incident can call the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom