The Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) busted a large marijuana grow operation in the Luxstone area on Jan. 14.
With the assistance of the Southern Alberta Green Team, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team and Airdrie RCMP Detachment, the CRU executed a search warrant on the residence.
“The investigation was opened on Dec. 17, 2013 after the RCMP received information regarding this grow operation,” said RCMP Cst. Jennifer Morin.
Inside the basement of the home was a sophisticated marijuana grow operation, with 72 plants and a street value of $90,000. In addition, about 66 pounds of harvested marijuana was located and seized, with a street value between $165,000 and $198,000.
Gregory Hurlbert, a 32-year-old Calgary resident, was arrested at his rented residence without incident and is facing multiple charges including, production of cannabis marijuana, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
Home invasion
Airdrie Rural RCMP are investigating a string of residential break and enters that occurred in rural areas outside of Airdrie between Jan. 14 and Jan. 15.
On Jan. 14, RCMP were dispatched to a home invasion in Delacour, a rural community south east of Airdrie.
A man gained entry by breaking in to the home through a door, and uttered verbal threats to the male occupant, who was alone in the residence at the time of the break in.
The suspect proceeded to steal jewelry and cash from the residence before fleeing the scene in a small, silver passenger vehicle, possibly an Acura.
The suspect is described as Caucasian, between 6’0 and 6’2”, approximately 210 to 240 pounds with a muscular build. He has short brown hair that was styled in a faux hawk and was last seen wearing running shoes, orange tint aviator-style sunglasses, blue jeans and an Ed Hardy-style T-shirt.
Two more break and enters have also been reported in the rural area on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15. It is unknown if the incidents are related. All occurrences are still under investigation.
“We can’t prove that these incidents are linked right now, but they did occur in the same area and around the same time frame,” said RCMP Cst. Jennifer Morin.
Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect and are asking for the assistance of the public in solving this crime and identifying him (see above for composite sketch).
Any one with information on this or any other unsolved crime can contact their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
