A joint investigation between ALERT and Stettler RCMP has uncovered one of the largest illegal marihuana grow-ops in the province. With a plant count of 3,284, the grow-op has an estimated street value of nearly $4 million.

ALERT’s Green Team, an integrated unit consisting of Calgary Police Service and RCMP members, dismantled the grow-op on October 22 at a Stettler rural home off of Highway 12. Stettler RCMP had responded to the residence the previous night after receiving a call of a suspicious person.

The grow-op was located inside a barn on the property and serviced by an industrial sized generator. The barn housed a complex three-stage grow operation with 3,284 marihuana plants and approximately three kilograms of dried bud that had recently been harvested.

Police seized two pick-up trucks equipped with hidden compartments located in the slip tanks. These are believed to be used for smuggling drugs.

The grow-op is the one of the largest indoor grow-ops ever encountered by ALERT’s Green Team. Previously, ALERT seized 2,233 plants from a Parkland County home in December 2012, while the largest outdoor grow-op saw 3,854 plants seized in Drumheller in August 2010.

Two people were arrested at the Stettler home. Kin Wa Au Yeung, a 53-year-old man, and Dan Wang, a 35-year-old woman, are facing charges relating to drug trafficking and illegal production. Neither of the accused possessed a valid Health Canada grow-op license.

To report suspicious activity or a suspected marihuana grow operation in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Students and residents in Drumheller will get the opportunity to learn about the tragic history of World War II and the power of the human spirit from a Holocaust survivor.

Eva Olsson, 90, is a survivor of Auschwitz. She was sent to the camp in 1944 with her family at the age of 19. Of her extended family of 89, only she and her younger sister survived.

Lynn Hemming, teacher at DVSS heard Olsson speak before and felt it was important for others to hear her message.

“I heard her at Teacher’s Convention in the spring with some colleagues, and we all felt she is one of the best speakers we have ever heard. She is a firecracker. She is passionate well spoken,” said Hemming. “She speaks about the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. It is heavy, but there is always the message of hope.”

Hemming made arrangements for Olsson to come. She will be speaking to students at DVSS on the morning of Tuesday, November 10 and then at St. Anthony’s in the afternoon. 

“The Holocaust is something we can never forget, but I love the fact that she includes the redemptive power of love and forgiveness in her message as well,” said Hemming.

Hemming said Olsson was gracious enough to do a public presentation on Thursday November 12 at 7 p.m. at Kaleidoscope Theater.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account of the Holocaust and the healing that has taken place in her life since.  Eva Olsson has been featured in several documentaries including one called “Stronger than Fire.”  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear a moving and powerful firsthand account of the Holocaust,” said Hemming.