A joint RCMP investigation has resulted in the seizure of real estate assets totalling about $300,000.

The investigation, involving the Vernon and North Okanagan RCMP, South East District Criminal Intelligence Section, and the Federal Drug Section dug into suspected marijuana grow operations, involving six properties in Vernon, Coldstream, Armstrong, Enderby, and Falkland. The value of these operations together is estimated at around $3 million.

"Criminal forfeiture proceedings for two of the houses have been launched under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act," says RCMP spokesperson, Gordon Molendyk. "If the houses are ordered forfeited, they will be turned over to the Federal Government."

"Civil forfeiture proceedings for the other four houses were started under the Civil Forfeiture Act. This allows the government to apply to the courts for orders to restrain and forfeit assets acquired through, or used to engage in, unlawful activity. "

Molendyk says the investigation was launched in the spring of 2008 and led to seven search warrants being executed in May.

More than 5,500 marijuana plants were seized and eight persons were charged with drug offences," says Molendyk. "One of those charged, Vuong Van HA, 50, pleaded guilty in Vernon Provincial Court to production of a controlled substance and sentenced to 15 months of jail."

North Okanagan RCMP have referred 13 properties totalling more than $6 million, in the Vernon area alone, says Molendyk. Of the thirteen, four have been handed over to the Federal government one to the Provincial Government, and the other eight are still awaiting judgment.