IBET busts what is believed to be second largest grow-op in the Southern Interior in South Slocan
By Bruce Fuhr
The RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) busted what is believed to be the second largest grow-op in the Southern Interior of the province earlier this month in South Slocan.
IBET officers, in partnership with the Central Kootenay Regional Detachment in Nelson, executed a Controlled Drug and Substances Act search warrant at a residence west of Nelson on Friday, March 2.
RCMP seized over 5207 plants in various stages of growth along with specialized equipment typically used in the production and trafficking of marihuana as well as dried marihuana and approximately $1,400 cash.
Two males aged 40 and 44 and one 42-year old-female were arrested at the scene.
“We believe this is the second largest grow operation in the Southern Interior,” Sergeant Dennis Blanch of IBET told The Nelson Daily.
The Southern Interior detachment of IBET stretches from Manning Park to the Alberta border.
Prior to the search police noted there were two young children living in the residence, which is troubling to law enforcement officers.
“As police, finding children exposed to the dangers of a marihuana grow-op is particularly disturbing,” said Superintendent Derek Simmonds, Officer in Charge of the Federal Border Integrity Program.
“Anytime children are exposed to, or have access to chemicals, unsafe wiring and drugs there is a very real chance that they could be seriously hurt.”
Blanch said police waited until the primary aged children left for school before executing the search warrant.
The Ministry of Child and Family Development was notified to attend and ensure proper care for the children.
“Whenever police identify situations where families are being put at risk, such as grow-ops, we work closely together to ensure that any children in the home are safe and protected,” said Mary McNeil, B.C.’s Minister of Children and Family Development.
“Our strong partnerships with police forces across the province allow us to respond quickly and ensure resources are in place to protect children exposed to dangerous situations.”
The investigation is ongoing, and a Report to Crown Counsel will be completed for charge approval consideration.
Blanch would not comment if this operation is gang related.
However, he did believe the size of the operation would lead police to conclude the marihuana is for export south of the border.
Names of the three arrested in the grow-op cannot be released until charges are laid by Crown Counsel.
