A B.C. man connected to an upscale residential and resort development is facing eight drug charges after police seized more than 4,700 marijuana plants and 20 pounds of dried pot in three homes registered in his name.

William Andrew Andersen, a 42-year-old Victoria resident, was arrested in June after police searched homes in The Highlands, Malahat and Langford. The searches were part of an operation targeting organized crime in southern Vancouver Island.

RCMP say they discovered sophisticated marijuana grow operations in the rented homes in The Highlands and Malahat, and seized pot plants, hydroponic growing equipment and materials used for electricity theft.

Inside the Langford residence, investigators found dried marijuana packaged into one-pound and half-pound shrink-wrapped bundles -- packaging that police say is associated with exporting drugs.

Investigators also uncovered a safe containing $105,000, which has been seized as alleged proceeds of crime. Andersen's Toyota Tundra pickup truck was also seized, as was $1,900 in cash he was carrying at the time of his arrest.

The Langford home -- a "luxurious" gated property in the Bear Mountain development -- is Andersen's home and is owned by a consortium of investors associated with the high-end development.

Const. Michael McLaughlin told ctvbc.ca that police believe Andersen is connected to organized crime, but charges are not forthcoming against the other investors connected to the Langford property.

"We have not forwarded information beyond a reasonable doubt," McLaughlin said. "But we do believe that there is an organized crime element to this file."

The Bear Mountain development includes a golf course, a luxury resort and several pricey residential properties. It's located a 20-minute drive northwest of Victoria.

Andersen is now charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of production of a controlled substance, two counts of electricity theft and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 13.