Industrial accident leads to discovery of substantial marijuana grow-op near Meadow Creek
By Nelson Daily Staff
An industrial accident involving a boom crane led to the discovery of a substantial marijuana grow operation near Meadow Creek RCMP said Monday in a media release.
RCMP said on Monday, August 26th, RCMP were called to an industrial accident at 196 Cooper Creek road where a 46-year-old Meadow Creek man was seriously injured after a boom crane he was in collapsed.
During the investigation of the accident, attended by Kootenay Boundary RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) and Worksafe BC, investigators determined that the accident was likely the result of criminal negligence, and sealed off the property.
“A Criminal Code search warrant of the property was obtained by GIS investigators to gather evidence in relation to criminal negligence causing bodily harm,” the RCMP media release said. “Police uncovered evidence that workers on scene were attempting to tamper with live BC Hydro wires.
“As investigators were conducting their search warrant, an extremely large marihuana grow operation was discovered consisting of approximately 11,000 plants.”
Police said a second search warrant was then obtained under the Cannabis Act, with as plants seized.
Police said there were multiple legal licenses to grow marihuana were associated to the address, but the legal allowance was significantly below the amount located and seized.
“This has been a very labour intensive investigation. Kootenay Boundary GIS investigators would like to recognize Worksafe BC and BC Hydro for their assistance,” said A/Cpl Badach.
“We are also grateful for additional assistance that was provided by officers from Trail, Sparwood, Castlegar and Nelson Police Department, who devoted their time over the long weekend to help.”
RCMP investigators continue to work with Health Canada officials, and charges are being considered under the Criminal Code and Cannabis Act.
