Early Thursday, Metchosin Fire Department and West Shore RCMP responded to a barn fire in the 1300 block of Neild Road, Metchosin. Upon investigation, police determined that there was grow operation and a distillery on the property.
A 43 year old male was arrested at the scene without incident and is cooperating with investigators. He is well known to police and has a history of marijuana cultivation.
“The structure was fully engulfed upon arrival at scene”, states Metchosin Fire Chief, Stephanie DUNLOP. “Our priorities were to ensure any occupants were out of all surrounding buildings, to protect any and all exposures (i.e. additional structures/property) and extinguishing any spot fires started from the flying embers.”
West Shore RCMP Major Crime Unit members executed a search warrant at the Neild Road address in the late afternoon of June 11. Police seized 950 plants in various stages of growth; a drying room with a quantity of dried product was also seized. Of interest, approximately 700 litres of distilled alcohol was seized from inside the residence. The suspect has since been released from custody facing drug and Custom and Excise related charges.
Police secured the scene and West Shore RCMP Major Crime Unit and Street Crime Unit have taken over the investigation.
The43 year old man is scheduled to appear at Western Communities Courthouse on September 3rd, 2015.
Source: West Shore RCMP
