In May of 1997, the first L.E.T.A. Basic Thermal Imagery Courses were presented in Canada. Hosted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, L.E.T.A. Instructors Charlie Stowell and Les Kjemhus conducted three schools in Victoria, British Columbia. Over 100 police officers were trained to L.E.T.A. standards.

During this same month, the Canadian Narcotic Control Act was replaced by a new Controlled Drug and Substances Act. The new Controlled Drugs and Substances Act has included legislation which allows for the restraint and seizure of residences or buildings built or modified for the purpose of marihuana cultivation.

On May 15, 1997, the first home in Canada was seized following a warrant search in Victoria, British Columbia. The half million dollar Bed and Breakfast had been converted into a hydroponic marihuana production facility.

The investigation began with surveillance of a local hydroponic supplier, which revealed the target residence, followed by Hydro consumption records showing extremely high usage. Subsequent night surveillance revealed a smell of marihuana coming from the target residence and a hand held thermal imager indicated the gable vent was very hot compared to similar adjacent dwellings. Of interest, the search revealed fourteen 1000-watt grow lights were air-cooled. This heated air, along with exhaust from each room was being vented out of the gable vent of the residence.