500 plants seized at Keremeos grow-op

(Osoyoos Times file photo)

RCMP arrested a man and seized 500 cannabis plants in Keremeos last week.

With the help of the Osoyoos RCMP, the Keremeos RCMP executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis grow-op on Sept. 24.

“Over the past couple months, RCMP were investigating a report of an illicit cannabis growing facility located on VLA Road in Cawston,” Const. James Grandy said. “The facility was allegedly growing a large amount of cannabis without licensing from Health Canada.”

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During the investigation, officers observed a large number of cannabis plants growing on the property, Grandy said.

A search warrant was granted for officers to enter the property. With assistance from the Oliver and Osoyoos detachments, along with the Police Dog Service and South Okanagan Traffic Services, officers executed the search warrant.

“Over 500 plants were seized,” Grandy said. “A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene, and later released from the custody.

The investigation is ongoing, with charges being recommended to the BC Prosecution Service.