Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jun 2011
Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Chilliwack Times
Contact:  http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357
Author: Keith Fraser, - With Files From Tyler Olsen

MEDICINAL MARIJUANA GROWERS BUSTED

Gov't Wants To Seize Couple's Cars, Boats

The B.C. government is seeking to forfeit three properties, four 
vehicles and three boats from two Chilliwack residents it alleges 
have violated their medicinal-marijuana licences.

Ken Blais and Ursula Walker had two medicinal marijuana-production 
licences allowing them to produce pot at a property on Cultus Lake Road.

The licences together allowed them to grow and cultivate a maximum of 
74 marijuana plants, according to court documents.

Acting on a tip from a confidential source, two dozen police officers 
from the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, the Abbotsford 
police department and the Chilliwack RCMP raided the home on June 3 
and found more than 450 plants.

Police also seized 20,000 ecstasy pills, approximately one ounce of 
cocaine and small amounts of methamphetamines, along with two guns 
and a bullet proof vest.

Street value for the ecstasy was pegged at $60,400 and the marijuana 
had a street value at about $126,000, according to police.

Three men, a woman and a 15-year-old teenage boy were arrested during 
the raid. Charges are pending against four of those arrested.

The police estimated that more than $6,000 in hydro fees per billing 
period were charged to the property, with Blais being the current 
hydro subscriber.

The notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court says the 
director of civil forfeiture believes the property was used to store 
and traffic marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine.

"The director says that, at all material times, the defendants were 
aware of the unlawful activity being undertaken at the properties and 
that they directly benefited from same," says the lawsuit.

The director alleges that the properties, vehicles and boats are 
"instruments of unlawful activity" and should be forfeited.

According to the lawsuit, Blais, who is identified as a hairdresser 
and/or self-employed, is the owner of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and 
a 2006 Hummer.

Walker, also a hairdresser, is said to be the registered owner of two 
Mini Coopers.

Blais is said to share ownership with his son of the three boats.

The two other properties include another home on Cultus Lake Road and 
a home on Chilliwack Mountain Road.

No statements of defence have been filed. The defendants could not be 
reached. A notice of civil claim contains allegations that have not 
been proven in court.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart