Marijuana grow-op in the RM of Rockwood, as well as an electrical set-up at a Steinbach grow-op.
A significant police operation that included resources from across RCMP “D” Division, as well as the Ste. Anne Police Department, has located and dismantled 10 marijuana grow operations (MGOs) throughout Manitoba.
In February police launched the five-week operation known as Project District and ultimately seized 3,300 marijuana plants, effectively preventing more than a million joints from reaching the streets. Investigators also seized approximately $34,000 in cash and a large quantity of specialized equipment typically used by organized crime groups in the production and trafficking of marijuana.
Thirteen people are facing charges related to the production and trafficking of a controlled substance, theft of electricity and possession of proceeds of crime.
Project District is part of the Marijuana Grow Initiative, the RCMP’s national strategy to combat MGOs and the organized crime groups running them in our communities.
“Marijuana grow operations are a source of revenue for organized crime, which invariably creates the potential for violence and other crimes,” said Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division. “We are very concerned that in two of the MGOs we found innocent children living in such a dangerous environment.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to these types of investigations,” said Marc Robichaud, Chief of the St. Anne Police Department. “Both the RCMP and the Department of Justice have been very supportive of a more integrated approach to policing. Although none of these offences occurred in our specific policing jurisdiction, all communities benefit from the results of such projects.”
The Office of the Fire Commissioner has deemed six of the properties unfit for human habitation until they have been inspected, remediated where required and deemed safe.
“Grow ops represent a growing threat to the people who create them, live near them, and responders that get called out to them,” said Acting Fire Commissioner David Schafer. “With the volatile mix of chemicals, lights, and unsafe electrical, structural and plumbing modifications, they become a significant risk to health and safety, and can destroy a perfectly good home.”
“Grow ops frequently steal electricity to try and disguise the operation since they consume large amounts of power,” said Glen Schneider of Manitoba Hydro. “This can pose a safety hazard to our employees and the general public and results in a loss of revenue to the utility.”
“REALTORS® are now required to disclose when a property has been a grow op. Former grow ops may have been patched up, but there may still be mould,” said Lorne Weiss, Immediate Past President of the Manitoba Real Estate Association. “We are very pleased the RCMP has started publishing former grow ops to protect consumers.”
The RCMP also made a total of 1,070 drug seizures across the province last year, in over 200 communities in Manitoba.
Working with our partners and members of the community, the RCMP will continue to prevent and reduce the presence, harmful impact and illegal activities linked to organized crime groups and their marijuana grow operations.
Manitobans can play a part in making their families and their communities safer. To report suspected drug activity in your community, contact your RCMP Detachment or local police service.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Manitoba Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
More information about the Marijuana Grow Initiative can be found online.
