Police seize big-money pot production; local man facing charges
By Castlegar Source
A 26-year-old Castlegar man will be facing charges after police raided a grow-op believed to be worth about $700,000, according to Castlegar RCMP Cpl. Darryl Orr.
“On Aug. 17 at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Castlegar Crime Reduction Unit, along with Castlegar General Duty members, executed a search warrant issued under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at a residence on Highway 3 in Castlegar,” said Orr. “A 26-year-old male was arrested and taken into custody at the scene without incident. “Attending members discovered a large, sophisticated marihuana growing operation in the basement of the residence containing approximately 1,500 Marihuana plants. Two industrial-sized, diesel generators were being used to power the growing operation. “Attending members also discovered a loaded hunting rifle inside the residence during the search. Charges of Production of Marihuana, Possession of Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, and Possession of an Unlicenced Firearm are being recommended against the suspect … (who) will be appearing in Castlegar Provincial Court in October. “The Castlegar and Trail Crime Reduction Units remain focused on the elimination of all marihuana growing operations in our communities because of the many risks they pose to our citizens. Anyone with information regarding marihuana growing operations is urged to contact the R.C.M.P. or Crime Stoppers.”
