Burns Lake RCMP seized approximately 2,700 marijuana plants, associated equipment used for growing marijuana, three loaded and restricted firearms and one vehicle following a raid on a rural property West of Burns Lake last week.
According to St. Sgt. Grant MacDonald from the Burns Lake RCMP detachment, on Jan. 20, 2012, at approximately 9:19 a.m., Burns Lake RCMP executed a search warrant for a marijuana grow operation at a rural Hwy. 16 property.
Members from the Houston RCMP detachment, along with police dog services from Prince George also assisted.
"A search of the property revealed evidence of an elaborate marijuana grow operation in a large outbuilding," St. Sgt. MacDonald said, adding that the grow operation had booby traps set up at the entrance to the outbuilding, which posed a danger to police.
During the raid, police located and arrested a 31 yr. old male from Calgary inside a residence on the property.
The man was subsequently taken before a Justice of the Peace and released for court at a later date. Staff Sergeant MacDonald said the man's name will not be released at this point, as police are required to await the review of the Federal Crown Prosecutors office for charge approval.
Police have recommended one charge of production of a controlled substance pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Staff Sergeant MacDonald did add that the man apprehended at the scene was not the registered property owner, however he is unable to release the name of the property owner.
"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. Through intelligence analysis and focused enforcement measures, the Burns Lake RCMP aims to combat illegal activities to reduce crime and promote safe and secure homes," St. Sgt. MacDonald said.
Burns Lake RCMP are asking anyone with information relating to marijuana grow operations or the illegal distribution of illicit drugs to contact the Burns Lake RCMP Detachment at 250-692-7171, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Burns Lake RCMP are continuing their investigation into this matter.