A major marijuana-growing operation was broken in the Vancouver area on Sept. 12 with 16 people arrested, including 10 people who have ties to Weyburn.

In relation to this police action, the Weyburn Police Service made three searches to collect evidence, including at a home, a business and a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle in this city. The search warrants were executed under the Proceeds of Crime legislation.

No names have been released by authorities as of press time. The 16 arrested included 14 males and two females, and charges include possession of the proceeds of crime, production of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of electricity.

B.C. police indicated there is evidence that residents with Weyburn or other Saskatchewan ties "chose to operate their illegal enterprise in British Columbia as it is seen as a 'low-risk, high-gain' province" where the chances of getting a jail term for producing marijuana remains low.

In the raids, police seized 5,000 marijuana plants valued at approximately $2 million, a quantity of packaged marijuana, marijuana oil, grow operation equipment, and Canadian and U.S. currency.

There were no children at any of the residences raided, and no weapons were seized.

Police said further charges and additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The searches and arrests were co-ordinated by the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. in partnership with the Saskatchewan Organized Crime Task Force, including members of the Regina Police Service, Weyburn Police Service, Regina RCMP Customs and Excise and the Regina Integrated Drug Unit, along with RCMP officers in Burnaby, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Langley, Mission and Abbotsford, B.C.

Police are requesting if any member of the public has information that may help in this investigation to call the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers tips line at 1-800-222-8477. Callers do not have to reveal their identity, and a cash reward is available if information leads to arrests.