ON December 20, Squamish RCMP and Sea to Sky General Investigation Section executed a search warrant in the Upper Squamish Valley in relation to anĀ illicit cannabis cultivation and electrical theft investigation with support from multiple partners, including the LMD Emergency Response Team, E Division Cannabis Training Coordinators, and BC Hydro.
Investigators located a barn which was converted into a 1,500-plant cannabis cultivation operation andĀ an active Butane Honey Oil (BHO) operation.Ā The BHOĀ production wasĀ a dangerousĀ largeĀ organic solvent operation with high-end equipment. Under the new Cannabis Control and Licencing Act, the alteration of cannabis with organic solvents such as butane is prohibited.
BC Hydro officials were able toĀ identify a full electrical diversion specificallyĀ designedĀ to steal electricity to power the large-scale operation.
A Squamish man was located and arrested on the property and later released pending further investigation.
“There are numerous safety hazards associated with electrical theft and cannabis production, notably the risks associated with BHO operations due to the volatility of butane,” said Sgt. Jeff Shore of the Sea to Sky General Investigations Section. “Despite the legalization of cannabis, the RCMP will continueĀ criminal enforcement efforts when it comes to youth, public safety and organized crime.”
The policeĀ are continuing their investigation and in order to identify all persons responsible for these offences they are asking anyone withĀ information to contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or go toĀ www.solvecrime.ca.