Investigation of 1997 missing-man case leads Regina police to grow-op bust

Police in Regina say an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a man in 1997 recently led them to uncover a large marijuana grow operation.

In a media release Friday, police said they had arrested and charged a 74-year-old man they believe is behind what they described as "a large outdoor marijuana grow operation with over 300 plants."

It was not immediately clear how the discovery of the alleged grow-op was associated with a missing person file, but police said they obtained a search warrant to gain access to land in the rural area near Indian Head, Sask., east of Regina.

The missing person is Patrick Cyril Thauberger who, according to one database, was 53 years old when he vanished after visiting family in Regina. Thauberger had been travelling by bus from Winnipeg to Edmonton and never arrived at his final destination.

The media release did not say if they were any closer to solving the case of the missing man.

The release identified the man charged, for allegedly growing the marijuana plants, as Joseph George Thauberger. While the age and surname suggest some relationship to the missing man, police did not elaborate on any connection.

The accused was arrested without incident on Friday. Police said they were making arrangements for the man's first court appearance.

Police said they were assisted in their investigation by members of the RCMP.

Indian Head is about 70 kilometres east of Regina.