INNISFAIL - Innisfail RCMP seized $1 million worth of marijuana plants and batches of the harvested drug in a large-scale drug bust late last month.
RCMP seized 739 marijuana plants weighing just over 182 kilograms, as well as 54 kilograms of harvested marijuana and three kilograms of marijuana bud from an illegal grow-op at a rural property east of Innisfail in Red Deer County.
The drugs were uncovered during a search warrant of the property on March 24, said Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk.
"Seven hundred and thirty-nine plants would be valued around a million dollars," said Matechuk.
The investigation began earlier this year when ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) received information about an illegal marijuana grow operation.
They confirmed the suspect was not licensed or approved to grow marijuana, at which point, the Innisfail RCMP General Investigations Section took over the probe and executed a search warrant on an outbuilding at an acreage on Rge. Rd. 270 on March 24.
"Significant work is yet to be done in this investigation because of the scope and size of it and the large quantity of items seized," said Matechuk. "It's a lengthy investigation."
The outbuilding contained eight shipping containers outfitted with sophisticated equipment, including high intensity grow lights, fans, air conditioners, carbon dioxide generators, dehumidifiers and light timers, said RCMP.
Shaun Charles Howell, 41, of Airdrie, faces several charges, including production of cannabis marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
He is set to appear in Red Deer provincial court on May 18.
