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$6.5 million in marijuana plants seized
Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
The High Prairie RCMP has arrested six men and seized approximately $6.5 million worth of marijuana plants.
According to an RCMP news release, on Aug. 5, the High Prairie General Investigation Section of the RCMP executed a search warrant in a secluded area approximately 30 km northwest of High Prairie. The scene investigators described the grow operation as being one of the largest in Alberta to date, says the news release.
“The illicit grow operation is estimated to have a potential street value of $6,500,000. Based on the production of these plants, it is estimated that this seizure would (have) effectively removed the equivalent of over 2,169,000 joints of marijuana from our streets, making our streets and communities safer. The value of the production equipment on site would be over $330,000.”
Normally, the RCMP does not release the dollar value of seized illegal drugs because they do not want to encourage the perception enterprise crime pays. However, an exception was made for this case because they want to show the significance of a grow op in rural Canada, although it is not confined to High Prairie, says Cpl. Blaine Oster.
The RCMP arrested Tri Anh Phan, 45; Guang Ping Chen, 40; Chi Haung Fei, 40; Hung Duy Hoang, 35; Cuong Viet Nguyen, 31; and Tuan Anh Tran, 25. Two of the accused tried to flee, but were apprehended after RCMP police dogs tracked them down.
The charges are production of cannabis marijuana, possession of cannabis marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a stolen water pump. The accused were held in custody and appeared in High Prairie Provincial Court Aug. 9, but were remanded to appear in court again Aug. 16.
Besides marijuana, the RCMP seized marijuana production equipment, documentation, a machete and a slingshot. Thirteen Quonsets were used to produce marijuana with a sophisticated watering and light management system. The RCMP seized approximately 6,500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.
The exact location of where the seizure took place has not been released because the investigation continues, including whether the accused are part of an organized crime ring.
The investigation began approximately one month ago when GIS’s Enhanced Drug Unit gathered information of a potential grow op. They conducted surveillance and obtained a search warrant, says Cpl. Barry Ledoux, the media relations officer for the case.
Besides the High Prairie GIS unit, the other units involved with the investigation include the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s Green Team; the High Prairie, Faust and McLennan RCMP Detachments; the Peace River Forensic Identification Section; the High Prairie and Grande Prairie Police Dog Sections; the Lake Shore Regional Police Service; the RCMP ‘K’ Division Air Services; the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Section and Criminal Operations of Edmonton.
Cpl. Ledoux praises the Town of High Prairie, the M.D. of Big Lakes and Peavine Métis Settlement for funding the Enhanced Policing Unit.
“The commitment of the three funding partners made this possible,” he says. “Otherwise, the general duty members or uniformed police officers may not have had the quick results.”
The takedown of the grow op will make communities safer, he adds.
However, two residents who live in the area where the seizure took place are concerned about such a large illegal activity occurring there.
“It’s scary to have that kind of an operation in this area,” says Larry Loyie.
“Drugs bring crime and that’s the scary part,” says Constance Brissenden. “That’s really big time. There’s so much traffic in the area, but you wouldn’t notice if it’s something like the Quonsets.”
They are not fearful for their personal safety, although they are vigilant and take steps to lock and protect their property and encourage others to do the same. Brissenden also praises law enforcement for the seizure and protecting the public.
The police are asking anyone with information about this or any other drug-related enterprise crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the High Prairie RCMP GIS at 780-523-3370 or 780-523-3378.
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