Medicinal grow-op in Olds dismantled for 'grossly' exceeding limit

Anauthorizedmedical grow-op site was shut down in Olds, Alta.,because the operator"grossly exceeded" the number of plants allowed under thelicence.

"The grow-op was dismantled on Feb.12 afterOldsRCMP members acted upon information about suspicious activity at the property," said officials in a release.

Authoritiesseized2,137plants valued at $2.5million.Five people have been arrested and charges are pending.

"The suspects include three men and two women who range in age from 58 to 25," said officials. "Four children were in the home at the time of the search and Children and Family Services assisted with the investigation.The home has been deemed uninhabitable by Alberta Health inspectors."

It's the largest bust in two years for theAlberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).The last big bust for their"Green Team" was conducted in 2012 in Parkland County when 2,233 plants were discovered.

The largest grow-op bust in the province happened in 2010 in High Prairie with the seizure of 6,500 plants.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government. Nearly 400 municipal police, RCMPand sheriffs work on the team.