Pubdate: Fri, 29 Nov 2002
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author:  Richard Rolke

POLICE TARGETING MARIJUANA GROW OPERATIONS

Police are continuing their sweep of marijuana grow operations in the Vernon
area.

The Vernon RCMP drug squad uprooted the second major grow operation in the
past week when police raided a home on Killarney Place off Westside Road
Wednesday.

Inside the home, police located a sophisticated hydroponic growing system
along with more than 500 marijuana plants.

"The investigation, which had been ongoing for many months, also resulted in
the arrest of two Kelowna residents," said Cpl. Henry Proce.

The man and woman face charges of marijuana cultivation.

RCMP seized more than 1,000 marijuana plants when they raided a warehouse on
the 3000 block of 43rd Avenue last Friday.

"The efforts by Vernon RCMP coincide with Operation Green Sweep, a national
enforcement effort that targeted indoor marijuana operations across Canada
from Nov. 17 to 24," said Proce.

During the week, 180 search warrants were executed across the country,
resulting in 163 persons being charged, and a total of 73,069 plants being
seized and destroyed. In British Columbia alone, 63 grow operations were
raided, 27,000 plants seized, 60 arrests made and 138 charges laid.

Police were particularly concerned about the number of children found living
in residences devoted to this illegal activity. Nationally, 43 kids, aged
four months to 17 years, were located in premises cultivating marijuana.

Proce said residences converted to marijuana grow operations can present an
extreme danger due to the extreme fire hazard (one in 10 indoor grows will
go up in flames), the poisonous gases, danger of explosions, violence linked
to the illegal activity, booby traps put in place, structural damage to
homes, electrocution and the potential for environmental damage in and
around the premise.

"The community should remain vigilant about these illegal operations and
their danger to public safety," said Proce.

Anyone observing indications of indoor marijuana grow operations should call
the Vernon RCMP at 545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 549-8477.
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