RCMP CALL FOR VIGILANCE AFTER MARIJUANA SEIZED

RCMP say a police action near Barriere has taken a large amount of
marijuana off Barriere's streets.

Now Barriere Detachment has issued a check list of clues community
residents can keep in mind to help in the detection of other similar
operations.

Officers report that on April 29, Barriere Detachment members assisted
by RCMP from Clearwater and Kamloops executed a search warrant at a
shop and trailer just outside Barriere. In the search, police say,
they located a sophisticated marijuana grow operation and seized 1,812
marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

They also seized what they describe as "the associated growing
apparatus and paraphernalia." Charges are pending, police said at midweek.

Now Barriere RCMP are urging community residents to be on the lookout
for signs of growing operations. Such clues, Const. Jeff Swann of
Barriere Detachment says, include but are not limited to:

- - Windows tightly draped or otherwise obscured

- - Extra venting on the sides or roof of a building

- - Unfamiliar vehicles and people arriving at all hours

- - Bags of fertilizer or hydroponic growing materials

- - Excess garbage outside the residence

- - Strange odours or sounds from inside the building

- - Lack of outside lighting or obvious signs that light from inside is
being blocked.

"Police urge anyone with information on a marijuana growing operation
to contact their RCMP detachment or CrimeStoppers," Const. Swann concluded.

Barriere RCMP may be reached at 672-9918; CrimeStoppers' tips-line may
be reached by dialing 374-TIPS (374-8477).