South Okanagan

Project E-Predicate has netted another grow-op for the RCMP.

Photo: RCMP

A grow-op in Osoyoos containing over 700 marijuana plants was shut down last week thanks to Project E-Predicate.

The 20 month long massive multi-national police effort shut down a large marijuana for cocaine import-export business and led to the arrest of a number of people with links to the Hells Angels.

The raids also netted $4M in alleged drug money.

On August 28th, investigators swept up a drug factory with links to the E-Predicate investigation.

The RCMP reports that investigators from the Southeast District followed up on evidence gathered during Project E-Predicate and executed a search warrant on a residence located in the 100 block of Hewitt Road in Osoyoos.

During the search of this suspected marijuana grow operation, police seized 701 marijuana plants in various stages of growth along with what police describe as the specialized equipment typically used by organized crime groups in the production and trafficking of marijuana.

They also recovered a stolen travel trailer and one .12 gauge shotgun. No one was at home during the raid and charges are pending.

“Marijuana grow operations harm communities. Wherever they exist, there’s an increase in criminal activity and a greater chance of fire, explosions and violence on top of additional economic costs and other health and safety risks,” says Supt. Brian Cantera.

“This seizure, in the context of the charges announced (last week), highlights the central role marijuana plays within the global movement of dangerous drugs into Canada by organized criminal groups.”