Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2002
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Jonathan Jenkins

POT-BUSTING OPERATION NETS $30M IN PLANTS

The war on drugs isn't over.

Local cops got that message across with a jolt yesterday as they
wrapped up Project New Voltage, a massive six-month crackdown on
indoor dope plantations that netted $30 million worth of marijuana.

"Partnerships such as this are required to effectively combat the
spread of illegal marijuana grow operations here in York Region and
across Ontario," newly minted York Region Police Chief Armand La Barge
said in a press release.

Cops from across the GTA took part in two days of raids that ended
yesterday, knocking over 50 grow houses.

Raids

The raids came at the same time as parliamentary committees and the
federal justice minister kicked around proposals to decriminalize marijuana.

But with those proposals suggesting possession of 30 grams or less
should result in only a ticket from cops, the 30,000 mature marijuana
plants seized in the raids would be attracting police attention,
whether the new rules fly or not.

Officers from Peel, Halton, Durham and York Region forces, along with
Toronto cops, OPP and RCMP took part in the operation.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake