Hells Angels linked to marijuana grow operation

Kelowna RCMP say a marijuana grow operation busted Thursday was linked to the Hells Angels.The Kelowna drug section dismantled a grow operation in the 2000-block of Ethel Street, according to a news release Friday."Seized from the house were 86 'mother plants' and approximately 3,000 immature 'clone plants'. Police believe the house was being used as a clone factory of sorts, whereby the immature plans were being produced from the mother plants and were then available for sale or relocation to other marijuana grow sites," the release stated.Police also seized about $40,000, about eight pounds (3.6 kilograms) of dried marijuana bud and a sawed off pistol-grip shotgun."From evidence gathered at the scene, police suspect the operation is linked to the Hells Angels Organized crime group," the release said.RCMP did not explain what evidence allegedly linked the operation to the Hells Angels, nor could they be reached for comment.A woman, 26, was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of an unregistered prohibited firearm.Similar charges are expected against a man, 30, who was not at the home when the search warrant was executed.
Kelowna RCMP also reported Friday that a Kamloops man, 31, and an Aberta man, 32, are facing a number of firearm charges after being pulled over in a speeding vehicle at 2:30 a.m. Friday.
The Albertan, who was a passenger in the vehicle, is also charged with assaulting a police officer.The RCMP said a loaded .45 calibre pistol with hollow-point bullets was found in a bag in the car, as well as "a large quantity of cash."
Police said both men were linked to a gang called the "Independent Soldiers."
The identities of the accused have not been released.