Tip leads RCMP to bust of marihuana grow-op and stolen firearm near Winlaw
By Nelson Daily Staff
A tip from the community led to the arrest of two brothers for production and possession of marihuana after RCMP from Nakusp and Slocan Lake executed a search of properties near Winlaw Friday, February 3.
During the initial search of the Slocan Valley property, police, assisted by officers from the Kootenay Boundary Regional District General Investigation Section and Forensic Identification Section, as well as members of the Castlegar RCMP, located an outbuilding with an active marihuana grow operation.
Approximately 400 marihuana plants in various stages of growth were seized along with a small quantity of harvested marihuana.
One male was located and arrested on scene.
Police also located and seized an improperly stored, 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition. The shotgun was later determined to have been stolen out of Alberta.
RCMP are recommending the following charges against the male subject: production of marihuana; possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking; unsafe storage of a firearm; unauthorized possession of a firearm; and possession of property obtained by crime.
During the original investigation, police formed grounds to believe another marihuana grow operation was actively being operated on a neighbouring property which is owned by the brother of the initial suspect.
Two males, including the owner of the property, were located and arrested.
A search warrant was obtained and an active marihuana grow operation was located in an outbuilding on the second property.
During a search of the residence, police located evidence of a extraction lab used to produce cannabis resin. A small quantity of harvested marihuana was also seized.
Another residence on the property was found to contain harvested marihuana and a large quantity of cash.
RCMP will be recommending charges of production of marihuana against the second male subject.
Subjects were released on Promise to Appear documents with a Court Date of March 27.
Anyone with information pertaining to the illegal production of marihuana,
or any other criminal offence, are asked to please call RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
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