Off-duty cop finds grow op during public garden tour in BC town: RCMP

RCMP in Revelstoke are warning residents to know the law if they intend to grow cannabis, after they say an annual public event led to the execution of a search warrant, recently.

On July 28, 2019, Revelstoke Local Food Initiative hosted its seventh annual Garden and Art Tour. The event consists of a self-guided tour, where homeowners open their gates to display their beautiful gardens and art to the public. It’s advertised as a fun event for all ages.

According to police, an off-duty RCMP officer visiting a family member in town saw the posting for this event and decided to take advantage of the tour.

“The officer and his guest were extremely excited to check out some of Revelstoke’s many talented residences,” police said. “They purchased tickets, picked up a map and the two started out on the tour.’

But as the tour progressed, participants “were exposed to blatant violations of Section 56 (g) Cannabis Control and Licensing Act; non-medical Cannabis Plants growing in full view of the public.”

As a result of what the officer saw on the tour, a search warrant was executed at a residence on August 2, 2019. During the search, police seized marijuana plants and other items to support charges.

“The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act was created to ensure the production, possession, and distribution of cannabis would be done in a safe and controlled manner,” said Revelstoke RCMP Cpl. Mike Esson. “Unfortunately, the violations of CCLA by some of our residents has brought some negative light to Revelstoke and the Garden and Art tour.”

By not properly growing cannabis plants, Esson added, “the residents have opened themselves up to the possibility of theft of the cannabis and drugs falling into the hands of youth in our community.”

In light of this recent incident, Revelstoke RCMP are reminding people that they need to know and follow the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act if they intend to grow cannabis.

The file remains under investigation.