A sweep by the Nanaimo RCMP against illegal marijuana grow operations netted a total of 10 people — some of them from Nanoose Bay.
The move came after the Nanaimo RCMP General Investigation Section recently received information there were illegal marijuana grow operations at two residences in Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
On August 7, 2013, following a three-month investigation, investigators executed five search warrants at two separate residences located in Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
Subsequent investigations revealed there were medical marijuana licenses in place for both residences, however the number of plants being grown exceeded the licensed amount.
Investigators suspect that a large amount of marijuana harvested from these locations was being sold contrary to the license restrictions.
Sergeant Sheryl Armstrong reported that during the searches over 400 plants and 20 kilograms of dried marijuana were seized. At one of the properties she said there was an illegal hydro by-pass in place, permitting the theft of electricity.
The 10 people arrested have since been processed and released on promises to appear for a Nov. 12 court date on charges relating to the production and possession of a controlled substance, and theft of hydro.
