ABOVE: One of Calgary’s top firefighters has been charged with running a marijuana grow-op. Global’s Jayme Doll reports.
CALGARY – Police have laid charges against two people after dismantling a grow-op in the city’s south, including a current district chief with the Calgary Fire Department.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) discovered the illegal operation at 75 Millside Road S.W. on Jan. 29, but said arrests weren’t made until March 11.
“It’s not always in black and white,” said ALERT spokesperson Mike Tucker. “We had to make sure that every piece of investigative evidence was utilized and make sure that we were charging the right people believed to be responsible.”
Investigators say about 400 plants were seized, enough to produce an estimated $500,000 worth of marijuana.
Two suspects were identified and later charged.
Police say 55-year-old Dwayne Kenneth Price and 52-year-old Heidy Thao Doan of Calgary are jointly charged with production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Tucker said it appeared both suspects were living at the residence, “at least on varying levels…frequenting the home.” The person listed as the home owner, Michelle Nguyen, was not charged in the investigation.
“I don’t know what the exact status of the home is and who’s living there, whether or not the owner has moved back in, or the accused continue to live there,” said Tucker.
Tucker said the grow-op was brought to their attention by a tip from that came in anonymously from Crime Stoppers.
Price is a firefighter who has served with the Calgary Fire Department for 26 years.
On Friday, Fire Chief Steve Dongworth addressed the charges against Price in a morning news conference, saying the 55-year-old would be “held accountable.”
“We don’t tolerate illegal activity or activity that compromises public safety.”
Firefighters must overcome a number of security checks before they’re employed by the fire department.
“Recruiting is a ten-step process that actually includes a polygraph,” explained Dongworth.
In addition, Dongworth says there are protocols in place which dictate how they deal with criminal charges against employees.
“If they are convicted, we will deal with that as the case warrants.”
Price is currently suspended with pay pending the outcome of an investigation by ALERT.
“We know at times like this, there may be some questions about trust of our members. We’re very sensitive to that,” said Dongworth. “All I can tell you is, we’ll continue to provide excellent service to the citizens of Calgary.”
“We will, of course, follow the investigation and take action as appropriate.”
Dongworth said he did know Price, although the two never worked together at the same fire station.
“As with many people, particularity of the senior ranks in the service, of course I know them fairly well… but I never served with him.”
Price is one of five district chiefs working within Calgary. His duties include supervising approximately eight fire stations.
WATCH: Raw video of Fire Chief Steve Dongworth addressing charges against district chief Dwayne Price.
To report a suspected marijuana grow operation in your community, contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from Jayme Doll and Jill Croteau
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