POT BUST!

Killam/Forestburg RCMP executed a search warrant on Tuesday, for a rural property between Sedgewick and Lougheed suspected of housing a marijuana grow operation.
The Killam/Forestburg detachment was assisted by the RCMP Canine unit, Special Entry unit and Forensic Identifica-tion Section, and other detachments.

Police found and seized 120 marijuana plants, grow equipment, and a number of weapons, including a semi-automatic hand gun.
Three adults on the same property were arrested as well, being: Marc Heney of Lougheed, Peter Wasylucha of Edmonton, and Katherine Shelly of Edmonton.

All three were released on bail, with a first court appearance set for Nov. 15 in Killam Provincial Court.
Killam Detachment NCO Sgt. Greg Gerbrandt said, “The accepted street value of the plants is based on a matured value, as set by the RCMP ‘Green Team’ and is generally considered to be $1,000 per plant,” putting the total value of the seized plants at just over $100,000 “These plants were in various stages of maturity,” Gerbrandt said.

Gerbrandt confirmed that it appeared that the grow operation had been running for a while, with evidence that it had already been expanded a couple of times, and might have been about to be expanded again.

Gerbrandt declined to comment on whether the grow operation was connected to any other seller or distribution organization, saying this was part of an ongoing investigation.

The Community Press was able to talk to various county residents who had suspected illegal activity on the property prior to finding out about the search.

Sgt. Gerbrandt clarified that growing any amount of marijuana is illegal, even one plant.
“The RCMP don’t fingerprint for possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana,” Gerbrandt said, “but being caught with any amount is a criminal offence.

“Being charged with less than 30 grams will not appear on a criminal record,” Gerbrandt clarified, “but would still appear as a conviction when the individual is checked on the system.

“The conviction could easily prevent someone from being admitted into the USA,” said Gerbrandt, because the USA customs agents have full access to the system, and make no distinction regarding the amount of marijuana found.