Posted on 03/03/2005 4:51:33 PM PST by fanfan
4 Mounties killed at marijuana site Last Updated Thu, 03 Mar 2005 19:33:25 EST CBC News
MAYERTHORPE, ALTA. - Four RCMP officers were killed Thursday during an apparent raid on a marijuana grow operation in northwestern Alberta.
"It's my sad duty to inform you that four RCMP officers, four brave young members have been killed in the line of duty," RCMP Commanding Officer Bill Sweeney told reporters at a late-afternoon news conference. The Quonset hut that police suspect held the marijuana growing operation in Rochfort Bridge, Alta.
He said a fifth person described as "a male suspect" had been found dead at the scene.
Earlier in the day, Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko told CBC News that details of the trouble that broke out Tuesday morning at a farm near Rochfort Bridge were sketchy.
"As far as we know, there's four officers not responding to their radios, so there is an indication that something is serious here," Cenaiko said.
"[The situation] is still active and they have a number of resources that are on scene or going to the scene."
George Vanderburg, the provincial politician who represents the area, says he and Cenaiko were briefed on the situation around midday Thursday. News vehicles were kept away from the scene through the day while police investigated.
He could not provide further details except to say it was a "very serious and very tragic" situation.
Cenaiko's office had earlier said at least two officers had been wounded when gunfire broke out during a raid on an alleged hydroponic marijuana operation.
There was widespread speculation of a hostage taking involving the person or people allegedly running the drug operation.
Sgt. Rick Oncescu, who is with the RCMP in Calgary, said two SWAT teams were called to the area.
A military spokesman said about 20 soldiers and two armoured vehicles were sent to the area after police called for military assistance at about midday.
Rochfort Bridge is located near the 1,700-resident town of Mayerthorpe, where the RCMP detachment is based, about 130 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
dang
I caught this story in the car. Strange that the shooter killed himself after the Mounties were dead.
I'm sorry to hear this.
Isn't MJ totally legal up there now?
I suspect it's more likely that the perp was mortally wounded in the gunfire.
Does Canada still have a death penalty?
My prayers to the families of these fine officers.
Hey, that gun registration idea worked great, didn't it?
No death penalty. Pointless in this situation as the shooter is already dead.
No, it's not legal. The police can and will use it against a person when it seems to be 'to their advantage'.
Too bad. You're correct. I should read the entire article instead of loosely scanning them.
But sometimes I don't.
Too bad about the death penalty, though.
Don't blame this on fighting drugs. Legalizing pot would just start the anti-smoking campaign all over.
No
pot is a peaceful drug, just like islam is a peaceful religion
with a criminal record.
What was with the planning here?
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