Provincial police arrested two people and seized over $800,000 in marijuana plants after a major grow operation bust in Central Elgin.
Elgin OPP and the drug enforcement unit executed a search warrant at a house on James Turvey Place, in New Lynhurst on Wednesday morning.
The investigation was prompted by area neighbours reporting suspicious activities at the residence, but came as a total surprise to others.
Elgin OPP Insp. Brad Fishleigh says “We are seeing more and more in affluent neighbourhoods, in homes that you would never suspect. This is, I believe, the tip of the iceberg. This is not an isolated incident, this was a very high-tech grow op that was very well established and very well set up.”
Water and electrical services to the home had been modified for the grow op.
OPP Const. Troy Carlson says “There are some inherent risks obviously with that, the ground can become electrified outside, so kids out getting their ball in the neighbour’s yard step on that ground there’s danger there.”
Police seized plants in various stages of development. The also seized psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and two prohibited weapons.
Shayne Kennedy, 22, of Central Elgin and Amada Prabphane, 21, of Kitchener, are facing numerous drugs, weapons and theft charges.
Among the charges are production of marijuana, possession for the purpose of trafficking, damaging a building, theft of electricity, theft over $5,000 and three counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or drug related information is asked to call the Elgin OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
