Large grow-op busted near Camosun
More than 500 marijuana plants – 92 pounds worth – were found inside a Saanich home Thursday after B.C. Hydro tipped police off to a theft of electricity.
Saanich police say officers found the plants taking up most of the basement level of the three-storey house, located in the 1800-block of Lansdowne Rd. next to Camosun College, after executing a search warrant Thursday night.
"It was very sophisticated and very immaculate. Very professional, very clean," said Sgt. Dean Jantzen. "This is a large commercial operation."
Police executed the first search warrant at the house around 1:30 p.m. with regards to the electricity theft.
A Hydro crew disconnected the home's power in the afternoon and allegedly found the bypass wiring near a basement door, which connected to the grow-op lights and equipment.
The second search warrant of the home, in relation to the grow-op, was executed Thursday evening.
Two adult women and a child were found inside the home. The women were arrested and later released. B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Families was notified.
One man, an occupant of home, was arrested later in the day Thursday. Police are recommending charges of production and possession for the purposes of trafficking.
kslavin@saanichnews.com
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