Chilliwack, B.C.-  it is being called the largest opium popy plantation bust ever in this country.

On Monday, the Chilliwack RCMP drug section executed a Controlled Drug and Substance Act search warrant on a 7 acre field containing opium poppy plants.

( at right, two RCMP officers collect up  some of the plants)

Two males were tending to the field at the time the search warrant was executed. Both have been arrested and charges of production of a controlled substance, and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance are being recommended.

The suspects, age 31 of Abbotsford BC and age 24 of Mission BC, were arrested without incident. Both suspects have been released to appear in court on December 14th, 2010 to face charges while the investigation continues. The suspects were not known to police.

Neither of the suspects owned the property in rural Chilliwack where the opium poppy was being grown. The property was leased for the growing season from the owner who was not involved.

Police estimate that more than 60,000 opium poppy plants were being grown in the field which is the largest crop of its kind that has ever been located by police in Canada. This estimate was generated by officers hand harvesting several 10 foot by 10 foot grids and calculating the average yield compared to the size of the field.

"This is a significant seizure", said Corporal 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. Doda, an opium powder, is made by grinding the dried seed pod of the opium poppy into a fine powder. It is often taken with tea or hot water, and produces a quick high followed by a sense of well being. While the use of doda is a new trend in opium consumption, its use appears to be primarily localized within certain South Asian communities.

While investigators believe that the intended use of the Opium Poppy located was for the production of doda, other more potent drugs can be refined from the plants such as heroin. Codeine and morphine are also byproducts of the opium poppy plants which are used pharmaceutically and require a doctor's prescription as they are controlled substance under Canadian laws. Opium, and its derivatives, are addictive.