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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake