A man faces charges after a pot-growing operation was shut down in Central Saanich.
Central Saanich Police Service officers executed a search warrant Nov. 16 on a Garden Gate Drive home and found 225 marijuana plants in one section of an indoor growing area in the home. Police said the ventilation system to the remaining area was being upgraded, but there was evidence it had recently been used to grow another 700 plants. About $80,000 worth of hydroponic accessories was also seized.
“Hydroponic grow operations require a considerable amount of equipment to manage the electrical consumption of the high-intensity lights,” said Cpl. Pat Bryant. “This type of operation greatly increases the risk of fire.”
Officers arrested a 44-year-old resident on the premises. Garden Gate Drive loops between Wallace Drive and Benvenuto Avenue.
Police are recommending the man be charged with producing marijuana and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He is set to appear in Victoria provincial court on Dec. 22.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com
