RCMP make 16 arrests and seize 800 plants in massive illegal cannabis bust

| November 20, 2020 in Provincial

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RCMP have busted another massive cannabis grow operation in Merritt. 

On Thursday, Nov. 19, officers executed a search warrant at a rural property in the area where they discovered a large commercial building was located. 

Approximately 800 cannabis plants at various stages of growth were discovered inside along with 16 people who all have ties to the Lower Mainland. 

"This number of cannabis plants would equate to one cannabis cigarette for every person living in the community of Kelowna. This operation would produce that amount at least 3 times per year, stated Cpl. Derrick Francis of the Merritt RCMP. 

"The impact of that amount of cannabis not ending up on the streets of our community or any other community is immeasurable."

Earlier this month, over 100,000 cannabis plants were destroyed on-site at grow operation off Highway 8 near Merritt.

The estimated value of the destroyed goods was $8 million.

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