Burns Lake and Houston RCMP seized about 2,700 marijuana plants, three loaded and restricted firearms, related marijuana growing equipment and one vehicle after a raid on a rural property east of Houston..
According to St. Sgt. Grant MacDonald of the Burns Lake RCMP, police moved on a warrant to search a rural property along Highway 16 for marijuana on the morning of Jan. 20.
Police dogs and handlers from Prince George were called in to assist the search, said Sgt. MacDonald.
“A search of the property revealed evidence of an elaborate marijuana grow operation in a large outbuilding,” he added.
The marijuana growers had set up booby traps at the entrance to the outbuilding that posed a danger to police, he said.
During the raid, police arrested a 31 year-old male from Calgary who was staying in a residence on the property.
The man was later taken before a justice of the peace and released pending a court trial
Sgt. MacDonald said the man’s name cannot be released at this point, as federal crown prosecutors have yet to review the charges.
Police have recommended one charge of production of a controlled substance pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Sgt. MacDonald added that the man apprehended at the scene was not the registered property owner, whose name is also not available to the public at this point.
“This successful enforcement action is part of the Burns Lake RCMP’s crime reduction efforts focused on street-level crime, crime hot spots and prolific drug and alcohol offenders,” Sgt. MacDonald said in a press release.
“Through intelligence analysis and focused enforcement measures, the Burns Lake RCMP aim to combat illegal activities to reduce crime and promote safe and secure homes.”
Burns Lake and Houston RCMP ask that anyone with information relating to marijuana grow operations or the illicit drug trade can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Houston residents can also phone in tips to the Houston/Granisle RCMP at 250-845-2204.
Burns Lake RCMP are continuing their investigation into this matter.
