Pubdate: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 Clearwater Times Contact: http://www.clearwatertimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448 POLICE GIVE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SPOT INDOOR MARIJUANA CULTIVATION Clearwater RCMP suspect that there are a large number of indoor marijuana growing operations in the area. They need the public's help in detecting them. The following list of indicators to spot a "grow house" was produced by the RCMP E Division Drug Awareness Service: How to spot a "Grow House" Covered windows: Windows are covered with black plastic, or blinds are tightly shut to prevent any light from escaping. Some cultivators put a small lamp inside a box behind the window to disguise the covered windows. Condensation: High humidity conditions in a grow room manifest themselves through condensation on windows. Smells and odors of growing marijuana: These can best be described as rotting cabbage, or skunk-like odor, mixed with a sweet vegetative smell. Moth balls, chlorine, manure, soap and air freshener are frequently used to mask the smell. Sounds of electrical humming, fans, trickling water. Bright lights: High intensity 1,000 watt lamps are normally used for indoor grow operations. Localized power surges/browning. Discarded equipment: Growers sometimes leave equipment laying around the yard, such as nutrient containers, pots, wiring, soil, root balls, aluminum shrouds, PVC piping, etc. On garbage day in the neighborhood, the residence does not put out garbage. "Beware of dogs" signs or guard dogs. Rental accommodations: Almost all marijuana growers use rental property (residential and commercial). That way they do not have to alter their own property to accommodate a growing operation. The high humidity levels in an indoor growing operation also cause a lot of damage. Landlords may notice that tenants pay their rent in cash, and while having no known source of income, they may have expensive cars, cell phones, pagers, etc. These tenants are also reluctant to allow landlords to inspect their rented property. Landlords should have a detailed rental agreement in place and ensure that the individual(s) renting the premises are those living there. Unusual visitor behavior: Neighbors may note no visitors at all - giving the appearance of seclusion - or frequent visitors for short periods of time. Visitors will often leave one person waiting in the car while another enters the premises. History of Premises: Many rental properties are known among the criminal element as having been used before, and will repeatedly be used in the future. Other indicators: Outdoor and/or indoor lights, radio and/or TV operating 24 hours per day; Flyers left in the mailbox or on the ground at the front door; Children's toys and bikes outside with no children seen at the residence; Realty "For Sale" signs posted on the front lawn - these have been used by growers to deflect attention by landlords, neighbors and police. Warning : Members of the public are asked not to put themselves in any compromising position while obtaining information about marijuana grow operations or other criminal activity. Anyone having information about marijuana grow operations or any other criminal activity is asked to please contact their local police. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh