Acting on a tip from the public, Powell River RCMP executed a search warrant on a unit located in the 4900 block of Joyce Avenue on April 27, resulting in a significant drug seizure.
According to a media release from staff sergeant Rod Wiebe, the subsequent search led to one of the biggest drug seizures in recent history and included LSD, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (date rape drug) as well as a prohibited firearm and more than $6,000 in cash. Wiebe stated two improvised explosive devices were also seized and later destroyed by the explosives disposal unit from Vancouver. A 45-year-old male from Powell River was arrested and later released for a court date in the summer.
Two days later, police raided a residence on Maywood Road and seized more than 900 cannabis plants, a large amount of growing equipment and several firearms, according to Wiebe.
“Four people were arrested at the scene and later released,” stated Wiebe. “None of the individuals were from Powell River. The entire house was modified for the sole purpose of growing marijuana.
“Over the past 24 months, the Powell River RCMP have seized close to 10,000 cannabis plants from clandestine grow operations in the region. These illegal grow operations will continue to be proactively targeted and their related assets seized.”
