Two summers ago, police destroyed one of the largest marijuana operations ever uncovered in the region, but if not for an alert all-terrain vehicle rider they likely would never have known about it.
That's why RCMP are asking outdoor enthusiasts to keep an eye out for the operations when they're out in the woods this summer.
Telltale signs include suspicious vehicles parked on remote trails or service roads, said North District RCMP Cst. Lesley Smith. A skunk-like smell is another indicator, added Smith.
The operations are often found near a water source - be it a creek, pond or small lake - and growers will use pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals that contaminate the soil and filter into the ground water, damaging the environment.
"If you do come across something suspicious or locate an outdoor marihuana grow operation please note down the GPS coordinates, and report that information to police or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers," Smith said.
She also advised people to leave a marker of some kind.
The grow-op the ATV rider found in May 2010 near Eaglet Lake, about 40 kilometres east of Prince George, turned out to be home to more than 18,000 plants, adding up to a $2.2-million street value, contained in 20 makeshift green houses built of tent canvass and plastic tarps.
Three men were arrested - Bing Lung Wong and Ye Zhi Qiang of Vancouver and Khue Ba Vu of Quebec - and all are scheduled to go to trial in late October on charges of production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
