B.C. Mounties find three-hectare opium field

VANCOUVER – A three-hectare poppy field was busted by RCMP in Chilliwack, B.C., on Monday – the largest opium bust in Canadian history, police say.

Two men tending the field were arrested at the scene, RCMP said in a media release Thursday. Police are recommending charges of production of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance.

Police estimate that more than 60,000 opium poppy plants were being grown at the site – the largest crop of its kind ever located by police in Canada.

RCMP say the suspects – aged 31 and 24 – were not known to police and they do not own the property where the opium was being grown, which was leased for the growing season.

"This is a significant seizure", said Cpl. Kurt Bosnell of the Chilliwack RCMP drug section. "We’re thankful we were able to gather enough evidence to be granted a warrant prior to the plants reaching maturation and being harvested."

A local farmer was contracted to help eradicate the crop and ensure that the field does not reproduce next spring.

Investigators believe the opium was being grown to produce a substance known as doda, a powder made by grinding down dried opium seed pods. It is often taken with tea or hot water, and produces a quick high followed by a sense of well being.