Fire uncovers drug operation

The Arson Unit is investigating following a fire at a residence in northwest Calgary led to the discovery of a marijuana grow operation.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2013, the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department were called to the 0-100 block of Hounslow Drive N.W. for reports of a home on fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed part of the residence on fire. The fire was extinguished and the home was deemed safe for entry. Emergency responders entered the home and discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation in the basement.

A search warrant was executed by the ALERT – CFSEU Green Team South, who seized marijuana-growing equipment and a total of 957 marijuana plants, with a potential street value of $1.2 million. An illegal electrical bypass is believed to be the cause of the fire.

Alberta Health Services has deemed the residence unfit for human habitation. Members of Calgary’s Coordinated Safety Response Team also attended and have fenced off the property pending remediation completion.

How to spot a grow operation:

Signs of excessive humidity / sweating on the exterior of the house
Condensation on windows
Excessive moisture at the foundation
Snow melted-off the roof, while others nearby are snow-covered
Minimal exterior upkeep (gardening, mowed lawns, or snow removal)
Coming and going at odd hours and only staying for a few hours
Lights on timers
Presence of heavy deodorizers
Loud exhaust fans or the presence of unusual venting
A strong ‘skunky’ odour emanating from residence
No garbage put out on designated collection days
Guard dogs
Multiple security or ‘keep out’ signs

Who to call if you think there is a grow operation in your community:

Calgary Police Service Drug Tip Line at 403-428-8100

Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods at 1-866-960-7226

Grow operations pose a number of safety risks to communities. Here are a few of the top concerns:

Electrical hazards create imminent risks of electrocution and fire

Electricity used to supply the grow-op is often stolen by boring holes in the concrete foundation, burrowing into the soil and then tying directly into the live high-voltage power cable ahead of the meter.
Wiring is compromised and sub-standard and causes a huge fire and electrocution risk for that residence and neighbouring properties.

Organized Crime brings risk of violence to your community

The majority of grow operations have ties to organized crime.
With this comes the increased risk of violence that can have a huge impact on community safety:
- Innocent victims of mistaken home invasions.
- Shootings and violent acts that impact innocent bystanders.

Structural compromises

The structure of the buildings is regularly compromised. Offenders cut through floor joists and studs with no consideration for the danger or risks that they create.
Furnace and hot water tank venting is disconnected and routed into the growing environment. Dangerous levels of carbon dioxide (and often carbon monoxide) displace the oxygen from the atmosphere.
Offenders cut into the fresh water supply line ahead of the H2O meter so that they can steal the massive amounts of water required for the grow-op.

Economic impact

A grow operation in your community could impact your property value as well as your home insurance.
They also impact the services of police, fire and utility companies.

Mold

High humidity and moisture trapped inside the structure results in growth of highly carcinogenic black mold.

Herbicides, Pesticides and Chemicals

Large volumes of pesticides and herbicides are improperly stored and disposed of through the sewer system.

Details of a media availability will follow in a separate advisory.