Snagged grass worth millions

Two North Bay men are among five charged after a police search at a rural property unearthed an indoor marijuana grow operation.

Further information is included in the following news released issued by the Ontario Provincial Police:
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(Papineau-Cameron On) On Wednesday the 27th of October, 2004 OPP Drug Enforcement Led Project “Gateway “ (a joint investigation between members of the Ontario Provincial Police and North Bay Police service), assisted by members of North Bay OPP Crime Unit, Mattawa OPP and North East Region Canine executed a Controlled Drugs and Substance Act search warrant at a Mattawa-area residence that resulted in the seizure of marijuana.

Shortly before noon on the 27th of October. A dog and male subject upon entry to the residence confronted officers executing the warrant. The male was arrested without incident. Police discovered that the entire basement of the residence had been converted to grow marijuana.

Two rooms in the upstairs were also being used to grow marijuana. While the officers were at the scene the owner of the property arrived and was also taken into custody.

After his arrest a black Ford Focus also attended the property. This vehicle containing two occupants fled the scene and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The passenger fled on foot and the driver was taken into custody.

A subsequent search by canine and OPP Emergency Response Team members failed to locate the individual. Police determined the hydro had been by passed and Hydro One attended and disconnected the service for safety reasons and to prevent further theft of hydro.

Police seized approximately 2,100 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, grow lights, a furnace, an air conditioner, hoses, fans, tools and various documentation.

Charged:

WENDLING, Eric
D.O.B: 24 April 1976
Of 2119 Papineau Road, Papineau-Cameron Twp.

Charges:

1. Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Marihuana 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
2. Production of a Controlled Substance 7(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
3. Theft of utilities (Hydro) over $5,000 326(1)(a) Criminal Code Of Canada


Court: 7th Dec/04

Charged:

NEDDO, Sean
D.O.B: 02 Oct 1970
Of 2119 Papineau Road, Papineau-Cameron Twp.


Charges:

1. Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Marihuana 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
2. Production of a Controlled Substance 7(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
3. Theft of utilities (Hydro) over $5,000 326(1)(a) Criminal Code Of Canada

Court: 7th Dec 04

Charged:

TRICKEY, Ethan
D.O.B: 24 Aug 1977
Of 95 Lee’s Road, North Bay.

Charges:
1. Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Marihuana 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
2. Production of a Controlled Substance 7(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
3. Theft of utilities (Hydro) over $5,000 326(1)(a) Criminal Code Of Canada.

***A warrant for Trickey’s arrest has been issued***


The estimated street value of the marihuana seized is approximately $2 million.
The value of the offence related property is estimated at approximately $25,000.


As part of this investigation a search warrant was also executed at a rental property of Eric Wendling’s located at 349 Guillemette road, East Ferris.

Police located a small indoor marihuana grow and a quantity of dried Marihuana, with an estimated street value of $19 Thousand Dollars. As a result WENDLING faces additional counts of Production of a Controlled Substances and Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of Trafficking.

A third search warrant was executed at the residence of Trickey located at 95 Lee’s road in the City of North Bay. Police located one male inside the residence. Police seized Cannabis Resin and Marihuana with and estimated street value of One thousand dollars.


CHARGED:
MONK, Jason
D.O.B 06 Nov 1980
Of 95 Lee’s Road in North Bay

Charges: Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of Trafficking Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Court: 7th Dec/04 North Bay

Charged:
PAQUETTE, Ashley
D.O.B 08 April 1980
Of 128 Talon Lake Road, Rutherglen

Charges: Possession of controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Breach of Probation, Section 733.1(1) Criminal Code of Canada

Court: 7th Dec/04 North Bay


*** THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING ***