On Thursday, April 11, 2013, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Burns Lake RCMP detachment executed a search warrant for a marihuana grow operation.
The search warrant was executed on a rural property in the Ootsa Lake area by members from the Burns Lake detachment with the assistance of neighbouring detachments. A search of the property revealed evidence of a marihuana grow operation in a residence. Police seized approximately 1,600 plants, electronic equipment and other associated evidence supportive of the charge.
Police located and arrested a male, 41 years of age, from North Vancouver, British Columbia, at the residence on the property. The individual was released on a recognizance with an undertaking to appear in provincial court in Burns Lake in July 5, 2013. Police will be recommending a charge of production of a controlled substance and a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking pursuant to the controlled drugs and substances act.
Police ask anyone with information relating to marihuana 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 (TIPS) or on-line at www.bccrimestoppers.com
This investigation is part of the Marihuana Grow Initiative, the RCMP's national strategy to combat marihuana grow operations and the organized crime groups running them in our communities.
For more information on the National Anti-Drug Strategy, please visit www.nationalantidrugstrategy.gc.ca
Burns Lake RCMP Detachment continue their investigation into this matter.