| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-12-21 14
December 21, 2009
ALERT dismantles two marijuana grow ops in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat... Two marijuana grow operations have been located by police in
Medicine Hat following a tip from a member of the public. A total of 683
marijuana plants with a combined street value of over $600,000 were seized.
"While most Albertans are focused on preparing for the holidays, it is clear
our law enforcement personnel are still hard at work," said Solicitor General
and Minister of Public Security Fred Lindsay. "Medicine Hat residents are
safer today because of the excellent work done by ALERT's integrated policing
teams."
On December 17, the ALERT Medicine Hat Integrated Intelligence Unit and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) executed a search warrant at 119
Robinson Drive SE. The search of the residence revealed a sophisticated
marijuana grow operation with 451 mature plants that had been harvested just
hours prior to the execution of the search warrant. Police also discovered
electrical and water bypass systems that allowed the setup to avoid
detection.
Further investigation led to discovery of a second, related grow operation at
148 Somerset Way SE. Investigators executed a search warrant at this residence
on December 18, and located 232 mature marijuana plants being supported
by a sophisticated electrical, water filtration and ventilation system.
Investigators also found another electrical bypass system.
No one was found at either residence and no arrests have been made at this
time. The investigation is ongoing.
The Medicine Hat Integrated Intelligence Unit and CFSEU are integrated police
teams made up of investigators from the Medicine Hat Police Service and the
RCMP. They are part of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT),
an umbrella organization established by the Alberta government to bring
together Alberta's most sophisticated law enforcement resources to
strategically tackle serious and organized crime.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Candace Cook, Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams
Phone: 780-453-0728
candace.cook@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Rita Sittler, Communications
Medicine Hat Police Service
Phone: 403-529-8416
S/Sgt. Tim McGough
Medicine Hat Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit
403-529-8404
Brian Mulawka, Communications
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security
Phone: 780-644-1268
brian.mulawka@gov.ab.ca
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. |
Office of the Chief
