Pubdate: Fri, 03 Dec 2004 Source: Nelson Daily News (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Nelson Daily News Contact: http://www.nelsondailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/288 Author: Kathy Kiel Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) POLICE BUST FIVE GROW-OPS City Police and RCMP Complete Seven-Day Operation Targeting Marijuana Cultivation Five local residents will be in court next month facing marijuana cultivation charges after Nelson City Police and Mounties searched several homes over the course of the week. The searches resulted in the seizures of a total of 587 marijuana plants worth an estimated $234,000, plus an additional $9,000 in dry bud. According to Nelson City Police Sgt. Steve Bank, of the General Investigation Section, the grow shows they uncovered when they executed five search warrants on residences located in Nelson, Harrop and Bonnington were of an average size. "A typical size grow for us that we see, at least in the city here, are 100 to 150 plants," said Bank. Police also seized a large quantity of marijuana growing equipment including air conditioners, heaters, and numerous charcoal filters - to reduce the marijuana odor in the buildings - lights, irrigation equipment, fans and other items. Some homes that were raided had their power disconnected due to the unsafe condition of their electrical systems. These premises will have to have their electrical systems repaired and inspected prior to having power restored. A small child was also inside one of the homes that contained a grow show. Police subsequently notified the Ministry of Children and Families. "Some people argue that it puts a child at risk," said Bank. "Our obligation of course is to make [the ministry] aware and then the ball is in their court to deal with it in whatever way they find is appropriate." The sergeant told the Daily News there is so many grow operations in the Nelson area that police officers can't keep up with them all. "We're aware of a lot of them around," admitted Bank. "We are aware of them but can't get to them due to manpower and resource restrictions. Hopefully with these types of initiatives we'll get to them." Police didn't conduct an extensive investigation leading up to the busts but rather started from ground zero from the get-go. With that said, however, many of the grows they became aware of were through spinoffs from information they've received through other investigations. "Some are tips from the public or tips from Crime Stoppers," Bank added. In fact, police are continuing to ask the public to remain vigilant and report to police when they suspect grow operations are in their neighbourhood. "They can remain totally anonymous if they wish," he said. "I'd say that the majority of our investigations come as a result of tips from the public and I would like to think that most members of the public wouldn't want this type of thing going on in their community due to the hazards that it poses." As a result of the warrants executed over the course of the week, four males and one female will face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for Production of a Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. All are local residents. They are set to appear in Nelson Provincial Court on January 11. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek