On May 1, 2012 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the North District integrated marijuana enforcement task force, members of the Quesnel RCMP, Williams Lake RCMP and Prince George police dog services executed a search warrant at a rural residence in Quesnel.

RCMP entered the residence and located a large marijuana grow operation. The residence did not have any furniture and the entire building was being used solely for the purpose of producing marijuana.

Police searched the residence and at first were unable to locate any suspects. With the help of police dog Baron, a perimeter search of the property was conducted but the dog showed no indication of a track leading away from the residence.

Police were then confident that the suspects were still inside the building. RCMP located three adult males hiding in a secret compartment between two walls within the residence.

鈥淩CMP seized 2,591 plants in various stages of growth along with related growing equipment,鈥� stated Cst. Lesley Smith, North District media relations officer.

鈥淧olice also seized a pick up truck on the property which was being used to transport materials to support the marijuana grow operation.鈥�

This drug seizure had a an estimated street value of $2.5 million.

The three males aged 34, 35, and 37 are facing charges of production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

All three males reside in the Lower Mainland. They were released from custody with a promise to appear in court on a later date.