Saanich police uncovered a total of 1,250 marijuana plants and more than 20 pounds of dried marijuana in two drug raids conducted around Christmastime.
The first occurred on Dec. 19 at a home in the 5400-block of the Patricia Bay Highway. Police discovered "a sophisticated marijuana production" complete with 750 plants and 11 pounds of dried product, said Sgt. Dean Jantzen.
The second bust happened Dec. 28 at a home in the 4300-block of Quadra Street. Police found an estimated 500 plants and 10 pounds of dried marijuana.
The busts are unrelated, Jantzen said.
No charges or arrests were made in relation to the first grow-op, but three individuals living in the Quadra Street home were arrested and charged with production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The value of the marijuana that was uncovered – if all the plants were mature – is in the "hundreds of thousands of dollars," Jantzen said.
kslavin@saanichnews.com