Several people are facing charges after two significant marijuana busts last month in Sechelt and Gibsons.
Sunshine Coast RCMP are releasing few details about the November busts, saying in a news release that arrests were made in both busts and that charges have been forwarded to Federal Crown counsel for approval. The charges include production of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of electricity. As the charges have not been approved or sworn before the courts, police are not releasing any of the names of those charged.
The Street Crew Unit executed two search warrants at homes in Sechelt and Gibsons seizing 1,298 marijuana plants. RCMP say the two investigations are unrelated.
"The Sunshine Coast RCMP are encouraging the public to contact police if they are aware of any marijuana grow operation in their area," said the news release. "Marijuana grow operations present a real danger to the immediate neighbours and the community as a whole. Wiring is often not installed to proper code, which can overload the electrical system and increase the risk of accidental fire. There has been one reported fire this year at a grow operation, which started in the electrical room."
RCMP's second concern involves the significant rise in marijuana "grow rips."
"Grow rips occur when individuals enter grow operations with the intent to steal marihuana, cash and weapons," stated the release. "These criminals tend to employ methods of forcible entry and confinement, and generally possess weapons while committing these offences. Marijuana grow operations put neighbouring residents at considerable risk, as the criminals may mistake a neighbouring house as the one involved in growing marijuana.
Contact the RCMP Street Crew at 604-885-2266 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) if you have any information of marijuana grow operations or other illicit drug activity.
