A man is facing drug charges after Innisfail RCMP seized almost 240 kg of marijuana in a drug bust east of town last Friday.
Police said an investigation began earlier this year when Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) received information about a grow op.
Once it was determined the suspect was not licensed or approved to grow marijuana, Innisfail RCMP’s General Investigation Section got involved and went to an acreage on Range Road 270 with a search warrant.
RCMP seized 739 marijuana plants weighing just over 182 kg, harvested marijuana weighing almost 54 kg, and almost three kg of dried marijuana buds. A working hash oil extraction lab and equipment were also seized.
The outbuilding contained 8 sea cans outfitted with sophisticated equipment including high-intensity grow lights, fans, air conditioners, carbon dioxide generators, dehumidifiers and light timers.
Shaun Charles Howell, 41, has been charged with marijuana production and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court on May 18.