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Abbotsford man busted for over-the-limit authorized grow-op

Chilliwack RMCP seized nearly 2,000 plants from a home licensed by Health Canada to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes.
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An Abbotsford man has been arrested in connection with a medical marijuana grow-op in Chillwack that had 15 times its allowable limit.

Nearly 2,000 plants were seized from the home in the 7300 block of Ramsay Place, according to Chilliwack RCMP.

"We have encountered several abuses to the medicinal marijuana system, but this one was pretty significant," said Const. Tracy Wolbeck. "This is a continued focus for our drug unit due to the danger these operations pose to the community."

Police also recovered an improperly stored firearm, a significant amount of cash, and “dried marijuana bud that looked ready for distribution.”

RCMP obtained a warrant to search the property after gaining information from BC Hydro indicating that a significant theft of electricity was occurring.

Prior to the search, police learned the property was home to multiple licences from Health Canada to produce marijuana for a medicinal purpose.

A 32-year-old Abbotsford man was arrested at the residence without incident and was released. He is scheduled to appear in court in June.

Last month, the Abbotsford Police Department busted a similar operation in northwest Abbotsford, finding 295 plants in a home that had been approved by Health Canada to produce 35.

Earlier that day, fire crews responded to a blaze in a building that powered a legal grow-op. The incident prompted the fire chief to speak out against the dangers of such operations and the need for more stringent regulations to control and monitor them.