Pubdate: Thu, 28 Nov 2002
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 BC Newspaper Group and New Media Development
Contact:  http://www.langleytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230
Author: Al Irwin

GREEN TEAM SEIZES POT

Langley Green Team members were busy last week, seizing 752 marijuana
plants and $38,000.

The RCMP Green Team, a unit of Langley's drug section, executed three
warrants throughout the week of Nov. 17 to 24.

There was almost a fourth, but it was decided further investigation
would be required.

The three busts were part of a Canada-wide program code named
Operation Greensweep 3.

Langley officers are currently processing charges that will be
forwarded to Crown counsel for approval -- against four Langley adults.

The charges include production of a controlled substance and
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of
trafficking.

Police agencies from across the country seized 73,069 marijuana plants
and arrested 163 people during the third national indoor marijuana
eradication blitz.

Green Sweep 3 was lead by the Vancouver Police Department. The value
of seizures during Operations Green Sweep 1 and Green Sweep 2 was
estimated at a total of $73 million.

Sgt. Mike Laviolette, of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada,
said the first two operations were so successful that it was decided
to repeat the program.

"These integrated police initiatives help draw attention to the
overwhelming problem of indoor grow operations," Laviolette said.

He said the Green Sweeps also help to educate the public about how
marijuana grows, and how police services are working together to help
keep communities safe.

A majority of grow operations are located in residential areas and
pose fire and safety hazards because of unsafe wiring and lighting.

The grow ops pose a hazard to the entire neighbourhood, not just the
residence where the grow operation is located, he said.

In many cases people living in grow homes, including children, are
exposed to health risks including mold spores, carbon monoxide,
pesticides, fungicides, carbon dioxide, ozone exposure and
electrocution.

Anyone with information about a suspected grow operation can call the
Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 604-669-TIPS.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake