Vernon RCMP raid grow ops for unlawful production of a controlled substance
By The Nelson Daily Sports
RCMP in the North Okanagan raided two licenced grow-ops Wednesday believed to have ties to organized crime.
Vernon/North Okanagan Regional RCMP executed the two search warrants early Wednesday morning in the Vernon area.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a media release it is alleged that although licenced, the grow-operations were being operated for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance and production for the purpose of trafficking.
“On July 20, 2016, at approximately 6 a.m., the Vernon / North Okanagan Regional RCMP detachment, assisted by the SED ERT attended to a commercial building in the 2400 block of 14th Avenue in Vernon,” Moskaluk explained.
“A 25-year-old woman was arrested at the location without incident. In addition a 43-year-old male associated to the address was also arrested in his vehicle after he had departed the location.”
Moskaluk said at 6:46 a.m., the Vernon / North Okanagan Regional RCMP and SED ERT attended to property in the 6500 block of Scott Road, where a second warrant was executed. Investigators arrested a 44-year-old male and a 42-year-old female at this location.
“Reports of shots fired can be attributed to the use of police shotguns discharging a round specifically designed to quickly open a secured door,” Moskaluk said.
Moskaluk said the two searches were conducted without incident, with evidence being seized at both locations to further the investigation into allegations of the production of a controlled substance for unlawful purposes and production of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
“The investigation into these licensed grow operations is ongoing and include efforts to fully determine the extent of the involvement and link to organized crime,” Moskaluk said.
“All subjects remain in custody at this time pending further investigative processes today.”
