ALERT and Fort Saskatchewan RCMP shut down marihuana grow operation

Edmonton… In response to a call for assistance from the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) attended a residence on Wisteria Lane where investigators located a marihuana grow operation, as well as a nine-month-old girl who lived in the home.

ALERT’s Combined Special Forces Enforcement Unit-Edmonton (CFSEU-Edmonton) went to the property with RCMP members and executed a search warrant. In total, 26 marihuana plants were seized from a partially harvested operation located in the basement. Investigators also found harvested marihuana concealed within infant formula containers.

The ventilation system had been altered to supply more air to help the marihuana plants grow. The chemical nutrients used in the production of a marihuana crop can cause a buildup of poisonous gases and, when ventilation is altered, these gases circulate within the home rather than get expelled.

“While this bust is a relatively small one for ALERT, it’s important because an infant’s welfare was at stake and we take that very seriously,” said Acting Sergeant Ray Savage of ALERT CFSEU. “This house presented significant hazards that can be very dangerous to the health of such a small child.”

Alberta Health Services was dispatched to evaluate the contaminated house for mould spores and public health orders will be issued to ensure the property is remediated. “The high level of moisture in the house led to mould in one of the grow rooms, which can also be hazardous to a person’s health, especially infants,” explained Acting Sergeant Ray Savage.

A 36-year-old Fort Saskatchewan resident, is charged with uttering threats, production of marihuana and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Given the nature of this investigation, Fort Saskatchewan RCMP also seized several firearms from the residence, which were stored properly, for safekeeping.

To report suspicious activity or a suspected marihuana grow operation in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). For information on how to spot a marihuana grow operation, visit www.alert-ab.ca

ALERT is an umbrella organization established by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Close to 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.