On May 17th, Princeton RCMP executed a search warrant on a rural property in the 2400 block of Highway 3, east of Princeton. This large property housed a sophisticated, multi-level indoor marijuana grow operation that was contained inside a quonset structure (see photos attached). There were two levels above ground, and a bunker under the floor which was created using a 50 ft steel container.
At the time of the police search, only one of the grow rooms was in full operation. 1,100 mature marihuana plants were seized along with related equipment including a 70 kVa diesel generator.
Sgt. Dave Clare who commands the Princeton RCMP Detachment says that this grow operation had the potential for a significant yield if all the rooms were active. “The calculated yield from the marihuana plants from this seizure would be enough to provide the high school students in Princeton with1,384 joints each.”
Sgt. Clare adds that, “proceeds from the sale of marihuana and other illicit drugs support organized crime in the province of British Columbia and abroad. The use of illicit drugs, including marihuana, impacts our families, communities and our social and health systems, which is why this discovery and seizure is significant for us and our community.”
Princeton RCMP arrested a 45 year-old male, a 47 year-old female and their 26 year-old son, all residents of Princeton. They were released from custody on bail pending their first court appearance on September 15, 2011.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Princeton RCMP at 250-295-6911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Released by:
Sgt. Dave Clare
Detachment Commander
Princeton RCMP