Pubdate: Wed,  07 Jun 2000
Source: Richmond Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2000 Richmond Public Library
Contact:  Unit 140 5671 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C.
Fax: (604) 606-8752
Website: http://www.rpl.richmond.bc.ca/community/RichmondReview/
Date: June 7, 2000
Contact:  Martin van den Hemel

PROLIFERATION OF HYDROPONIC SHOPS MIRRORS MARIJUANA BUSTS

If you're wondering what has fueled the recent explosion of hydroponic 
shops in Richmond, get  to the back of the line.

The general manager and owner of Home Greenhouse Supplies, at 11579 
Bridgeport Rd., are both wondering the same thing.

In three months, two hydroponic shops-Garden Effects Hydroponics and 
Pacific Rim Hydroponics-have popped up within a block of Home Greenhouse, 
which first opened in Richmond 13 years ago. A third hydroponics store, 
Just Say Grow, is currently under construction at No. 4 Road and Steveston 
Highway.

"It's bloody rampant right now," Home Greenhouse's general manager told The 
Review Tuesday morning. "I wasn't impressed when two stores opened up on 
either side of us."

Home Greenhouse's owner, who asked that his name not be published, said he 
can't imagine that there's enough of a legitimate market to support all the 
stores.

When asked whether they screen their customers, Mark from Garden Effects 
said: "It's none of our business." Mark's partner Tony, who greeted The 
Review at the front desk, wouldn't comment either when asked why they 
decided to open the store now.

John, from Pacific Rim at 12111 Bridgeport Rd., said he couldn't comment 
either.

The opening of these stores comes at a curious time in Richmond.

Earlier this year, Richmond Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt declared war against 
illegal marijuana  grow operations that have seemingly boomed in the city 
this year.

Local police uncovered about 70 marijuana operations last year, but have 
already surpassed that number so far in 2000, putting the city on a pace to 
eclipse the 200 mark by year's end.

"I guess it goes hand in hand," Home Greenhouse's owner said of the growth 
in illegal marijuana operations and the appearance of these hydroponics 
stores. "You have to draw your own conclusions."

In the last three years, the growth in the number of hydroponic shops 
across the Lower Mainland has been "insane", he said.

So are the police concerned?

Apparently not, according to Richmond RCMP Sgt. Willy Laurie.

The police recognize the legitimacy of the sale of the equipment, which can 
be used to grow  various vegetable crops without the need for soil.

In fact, Garden Effects had a vegetable display under lights and an 
umbrella at its store, while  heating lamps were being used to dry what 
appeared to be nuts at Pacific Rim.

Halsey-Brandt said the city is well aware of the existence of the new 
hydroponic shops.

That issue was discussed with city staff and the local police earlier this 
year, he said.

As long as the businesses have followed city regulations and obtained the 
proper licences, there's nothing the city can do, he said.

But if a large quantities of equipment were purchased, that could be 
something the police may be  interested in knowing and investigating.

Home Greenhouse's general manager said that in the past, when customers 
have approached staff indicating they want to grow marijuana, they've been 
shown the door.

On their way out, one customer quipped to the manager: "Do you realize what 
you've thrown away."
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