Strathmore RCMP seize another grow operation

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

For the second time this month, Strathmore RCMP, together with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit “Green Team” and the RCMP Police Dog Service, obtained a search warrant and seized an active Marijuana grow operation – this time located in Strathmore.
Earlier in November, on Nov. 2, RCMP seized 1,140 plants at a rural property near Langdon worth just over $1.4 million. Then on Nov. 17 at 5:10 p.m., the Strathmore Crime Reduction Unit, the Strathmore General Investigation Section (GIS), and the Strathmore RCMP busted a three-stage marijuana grow operation on a property that contained multiple adults and four local youths.
“We found plants in three different stages, so very small plants, medium sized plants and then plants ready to bud,” said Strathmore RCMP Cst. Shannon White, who was also involved in the seizure of the operation near Langdon. “Over 16 years I’ve seen smaller and I’ve seen bigger operations. Certainly the one near Langdon was much larger scale and this was a town one. For Strathmore, this was significant.”
Authorities managed to seize 110 plants from the property that, while no information about the condition of the structure is available, is said to most likely have suffered moisture damage.
A 27-year-old male, the property’s representative, has been charged with the production of Marijuana, possession of Marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code.
To White’s knowledge these two operations were the only two seizures this year, and she credited the confiscation to the coorporation among members.
The youths, who are in their late teens, are not being charged, nor are the other adults present at the property during the seizure. The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Strathmore on Dec. 15.