Josh Franc appeared by video, for Friday's bail decision at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Drug investigations

Court hears illegal grow op southwest of Prince Albert valued at $2.4 million

Feb 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM

The search of an acreage south of Prince Albert resulted in the discovery of 100 marijuana plants worth an estimated $2.4 million.

That was the information shared during a bail hearing this week at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Josh Franc, 36, was one of two men charged after the search was conducted on Feb. 21.

According to facts read in court by Crown prosecutor Nils Lokken, the investigation initiated on Dec. 19 involved both phone and vehicle tracking and led to search warrants being executed at a residence on Muzzy Drive, in addition to the acreage located in the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert.

Police investigators learned Franc was allegedly selling cocaine and marijuana, and was getting his drugs from Alberta.

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He is also accused of selling drugs outside Kinsmen Arena while minor hockey games were occurring and was arrested outside the rink. Inside a truck registered to Franc, police said they found 8 oz. of cocaine in a plastic bag and $1,500 cash.

At the residence, police found 7.5 lbs of cocaine along with 20 half-pound bags of cannabis and some mushrooms. Three rifles were also recovered as well as a shotgun.

At the acreage, police located an additional 20 bags of cannabis and 100 marijuana plants in one room with equipment worth an estimated $200,000. Lokken indicated the value of the plants, according to police, was $2.4 million and the value of the 20 bags was over $90,000.

These figures were challenged in court by Judge Harradence who questioned their reliability.

It was also noted in court there was no sign anyone was living at the acreage beyond some folding chairs and there was no running water. A check by police to see if it was a licensed grow operation came back negative.

During his remarks, Harradence expressed frustration with a photo provided to the court that showed all of the seized evidence together, as opposed to separating what was found at each of the locations. He noted a well-framed police logo in the photo as well.

“I think this picture is taken for the purpose of the media,” Harradence commented.

Defence lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr. noted Franc is innocent until proven guilty. He runs a business in the city, and has no criminal record.

After a two day adjournment, Franc was granted bail on Friday. His conditions include an up-front deposit of $10,000. He must also abide by a curfew, live at an approved residence, and have no contact with the co-accused.

“By Prince Albert standards, this is a very significant seizure,” Harradence said, while also acknowledging the absence of a criminal record and Franc’s low risk to flee from the city.

“And the police will be watching him.”

James Villeneuve, who was arrested at the residence on Muzzy Drive, and previously released on bail with conditions, is back in court on March 4. Another younger adult was also at the residence but was not charged.

A spokesperson for the Prince Albert Police Service confirmed they were preparing for a press conference and plan to release information early next week.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social