Greater Sudbury Police have charged three people after uncovering what they say is an “extensive outdoor cannabis grow operation” in Chelmsford.
Police say they received information about the grow op in August, and began an investigation in conjunction with the OPP.
A search warrant was executed Sept. 1.
Over two days, a search of the property revealed a large outdoor grow operation with approximately 1,000 cannabis plants that the property owners did not have a licence for.
Upon searching the residence and outbuildings on the property, a sophisticated cannabis resin (hash oil) extraction lab was uncovered.
Police say this extraction lab posed an obvious danger to the officers as well as the public.
The extraction lab was dismantled through a co-ordinated effort of the OPP Urban Search and Rescue, CBRNE (Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear/Explosive) Response Team and Clandestine Laboratory Team became involved, along with Greater Sudbury Fire Services, the Ontario Fire Marshall, Electrical Safety Authority, Hydro One and City of Greater Sudbury By-Law Enforcement.
The total estimated value of the seizure is approximately $2 million in cannabis and $143,625 in cannabis resin extraction lab equipment.
The following items were seized:
- Approximately 1,000 cannabis plants – value $1 million
- Approximately 104.5 lbs. of dried cannabis – value $261,250
- Approximately 111 lbs. of cannabis resin (hash oil) – value $610,500
- Approximately 22.5 lbs. of suspected cannabis butter – value $123,750
The investigation is ongoing. However, to date, two men, aged 31 and 63 years old, and a woman, aged 62, have been charged with Cultivation of Cannabis, contrary to Section 12(4)(a) of the Cannabis Act. Additional charges are likely pending.
The accused are expected to appear in court Nov. 25 to answer to the charges.
Greater Sudbury Police said although cannabis possession and production has been legalized, it is regulated, and it has always remained a criminal offence to produce, sell, distribute, import/export and use cannabis outside of the parameters of both the provincial and federal legislation, specifically the Cannabis Act.
“It remains the role of police to enforce and investigate criminal cannabis incidents and focus on the apprehension and disruption of those who participate in this criminal enterprise,” said a press release from GSPS.
