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.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager