Abbotsford Police arrested two people and confiscated more than 6,500 marijuana plants Thursday, dismantling a grow operation that is believed to be tied to organized crime.
Police Constable Ian McDonald said 43-year-old Michael Owens and 36-year-old Katherine Essex were seen leaving the grow operation premises when the bust occurred. They are now facing charges of drug production and trafficking.
The plants were found in five buildings and two commercial trailers on a rural property near Matsqui Trail Park along Riverside Street. The property had fallen into disrepair, but was recently upgraded with sophisticated grow operation equipment and other costly retrofits.
Const. McDonald said an additional 400 pounds of dried product was seized at the scene, suggesting a gang connection. Const. McDonald added that investigation from this point would be easier.
"When you're dealing with this quantity of product and this equipment, we can track equipment purchases, follow the money trail, and look into these individuals. We're pretty excited because it opens up a lot of connections with organized crime."
The Drug Enforcement Unit will resume investigation Tuesday and should have the bulk of paperwork done later this week.