Prince George RCMP were successful Thursday in dismantling a hat-trick of operations growing more than 2,200 marijuana plants with an estimated street value totalling between $1.1 and 1.6 million.
Police, with the help of other specialized drug units, busted three residences Thursday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the northern sector of the city.
On Chief lake Road, police discovered a three-stage growth operation with 900 plants and dried marijuana ready for distribution. Estimated street value was between $450,000 and $650,000.
The 45-year-old male property owner and a 35-year-old female were arrested on site. Both suspects from the Lower Mainland face charges of production of marijuana and theft of hydro.
The next bust happened about 4:45 p.m. in the 4100 block of Austin Road West where 100 plants were confiscated from a Prince George couple who owned the home. A 48-year-old woman and 47-year-old man were arrested and will appear in court on charges of production of marijuana. Estimated street value is between $50,000 and $75,000.
Police, executing a third search warrant at a residence in the 3300 of Emile Crescent, located about 800 marijuana plants in the home and about 450 clones (starter plants) inside a van on the property. Street value of the plants is estimated between $400,000 and $600,000, and with the clones, between $625,000 and 937,000.
Two men, aged 22 and 33 years, from Vancouver were arrested and charged with production of marijuana and theft of hydro.
Police thank the public for their support in the fight to prevent and destroy marijuana grow operations. We are proud of our community and refuse to let criminal organizations create a path of destruction for the future of our families," said Cst. Lesley Smith, media communications officer.
Anyone with information about marijuana grow operations in their neighbourhood is encouraged to call the RCMP at 250-563-3300 or call CrimeStopperas at 1-800-222-TIPS to remain anonymous.
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