Police say local drug seizure cause for deep concern
By Kyra Hoggan
Two people were arrested in Pass Creek Friday after a Castlegar Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) search of a private residence netted hash, marihuana and crystal methamphetamine.
A 52-year-old and a 32-year-old were arrested at the McDaniels Road home, according to RCMP Cpl. Darryl Orr, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Trail and Castlegar CRUs.
“A search of the residence revealed a large sophisticated marihuana growing operation in the basement of the residence containing 345 marihuana plants, along with the associated growing equipment,” Orr said. “Hashish and marihuana oil were also located in the residence along with “70 points” or seven grams of crystal methamphetamine. The conservative value of the drugs seized is estimated at $345,000.”
Orr said the crystal meth is of particular concern, as the Castlegar/Trail communities have thus far suffered little exposure to this extremely addictive and injurious drug.
“It’s a bad drug, and we don’t like to see it pop up in the area,” he said., adding the drug is far less expensive and offers a more prolonged high than cocaine, but is also exponentially more addictive, damaging and, ultmately, deadly.
“We’re lucky we haven’t been exposed to crystal meth in Castlegar and Trail to any extent. I’ve only seen it two other times in my 10-year service in the area.”
The two adults were released on court-compelling documents at the conclusion of the search.
Police are recommending charges of production and possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking .
