On 19 May 2009 at about 4:30 p.m., Steinbach RCMP executed search warrants on two rural properties in the RM of Ste. Anne near Richer, seizing about 600 marijuana plants at one residence and about 1,000 at the other.[1] Investigators found the two grow operations were linked, and also seized a stolen snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and trailer that had been taken in Winnipeg in 2007.[1] One man was arrested during the raids and a second was arrested later at a Winnipeg residence, where officers also seized a firearm; police initially withheld both names.[1]
The next day police charged Anton Penner, 49, and Edwin Harder-Fehr, 28, with production of cannabis marijuana and other related offences tied to the two operations.[2] Harder-Fehr was additionally charged with possession of property obtained by crime over the stolen vehicles, while Penner was charged with breaching a firearm prohibition order after being arrested with a firearm in his residence.[2] Police estimated the street value of the seized marijuana at about $1.6 million.[2]
