On Wednesday, June 30, Clearwater RCMP executed a search warrant on Murtle Road and seized 860 marijuana plants. All the plants were located in the basement of a newer home in a nice neighborhood. Most of the plants were nearing maturity and contained developing bud.
Police were initially notified of an electrical bypass. A bypass allows the subscriber to consume large amounts of electricity without raising suspicion or paying for it. A search warrant was obtained for the theft of electricity and once inside officers found marijuana grow operation.
This electrical bypass was located in the attic above the garage. Installing this bypass would have put somebody at a significant risk; the results could have been fatal. This also created a huge fire hazard. The home is located on an average city lot and if it caught fire, homes and families adjacent would have been at severe risk.
A 74-year-old male was arrested at the house. He is now facing charges of production of a controlled substance, theft of electricity, possession of a prohibited weapon and careless use of a firearm. He was released and will attend court in Clearwater on Sept 20.
In addition to the marijuana plants, two firearms and a conducted energy weapon (Taser) were also located.
This is the first time Clearwater RCMP have located a significant grow in a residential neighborhood. Most are located in rural or remote areas, reducing the risk to others and where the occupants believe will reduce police detection.
– Clearwater RCMP