Pubdate: Mon, 03 Jun 2002 Source: Surrey Now (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc., A Canwest Company Contact: http://www.thenownewspaper.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462 Author: Brad Petersen Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) CITY TURNS UP HEAT ON POT Police have busted a marijuana grow-op in White Rock of more than 1,500 plants. White Rock RCMP Const. Steve Whiffen said the bust Wednesday evening was one of the biggest in recent years for the local Mounties. The plants, in various stages of cultivation, were seized from a rental property in the 13700-block of Marine Drive. In addition, numerous bags of marijuana bud and "associated paraphernalia" were seized. A man, 24, was taken into police custody at the scene. His name is being held pending a court appearance. The City of White Rock has shut the house down owing to damage caused by the grow operation. Whiffen said the drug bust was a significant step in the fight against drugs in the seaside city. "Drug production of this nature is a problem that we are not immune to here in White Rock," he said. "We are now turning up the heat on grow operations in the city and the community can help us. All reports of marijuana grow operations will be taken seriously and investigated." Whiffen issued the following advice that home owners and neighbours should look for in detecting marijuana grow operations. A key indicator is that growing marijuana produces a strong, skunk-like odour that can be detected outside the home. Other indicators could be: residents only attend the home occasionally, for brief periods; windows remain covered and may have condensation; hydro meters are tampered with; sounds of construction and/or ventilation fans can sometimes be heard. To report a suspected grow operation, contact your nearest police station or Crime Stoppers at 604-669-TIPS. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager