MALAKWA — A resident of this rural between Revelstoke and Sicamous suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by a group of intruders intent on ripping off what Mounties say was a marijuana grow-op at his property.
Police were called hospital officials after the 36-year-old man drove himself to the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Vernon early Saturday morning suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck.
Once Vernon Detachment members determined that the incident occurred on a Malakwa property, the Sicamous RCMP became involved.
The man’s initial account of how he suffered the injury was questioned by investigators, who determined that he had not disclosed that the shooting was as a result of being the target of a marijuana grow operation rip off.
“It was eventually learnt that the man had confronted a group of suspects on his property late Friday night/early Saturday morning and was shot by one of the suspects males with a handgun,” said a statement from the RCMP.
“The injured man stated he was given first aid by the intruders and held captive for a short period… (the group) eventually departed, at which time he drove himself to the hospital.
“The motive for the incident is confirmed to be drug-related and police are confident that this was a targeted attack. The investigation is ongoing by members of both Vernon and Sicamous Detachments with the assistance of the South East District General Investigation Section.”
If you have any information that may assist in these investigations, you can contact the Sicamous RCMP 250-836-2878 or contact your local RCMP Detachment. For those wishing to provide information and remain anonymous please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
The statement said Marijuana Grow Operations and clandestine labs harm communities. “They appear in homes or outbuildings in residential, rural or commercial/industrial areas,” the statement said. “Wherever they exist, there is an increased risk of criminal activity
“The Marihuana Grow Initiative (MGI) is the RCMP’s national response to combating the prevalence of marijuana production in Canada being run and exploited by organized crime groups. This initiative will inform Canadians about the consequences, inherent hazards and destructive impacts these activities and criminals have on community well being.”
For more info on the MGI go to: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/drugs-drogues/mgi-ircm/index-eng.htm
