Pubdate: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: Rob Lamberti NOW YORK'S GONE TO POT Drug Grows Out Of Control: Cops Two marijuana-growing operations in Vaughan were raided yesterday as part of a two-month hydroponic blitz launched Monday by York drug cops. Morality and vice Det. Mike Klimm said, so far this week, his unit has raided five homes, cutting down 1,928 marijuana plants, which have a street value of almost $2 million. Police also seized $181,000 worth of hydroponic equipment. Out Of Control Klimm estimated that one out of every 100 homes in York is a grow operation, with about 1,500 suspected operations in the region. "There's just so many grows," Klimm said. "Seriously, it's out of control. Markham Hydro says one in 100 homes ... in York Region is a marijuana grow." He said the utility's estimate is based on the frequency of diverted fuse panels used to steal electricity for feeding hydroponic operations. "We did 1,400 warrants last year in the province," said Klimm, noting that, in 2001, Ontario police raided 300. The object of the blitz, said Klimm, is "to let organized crime know they're not welcome in York Region." National Strategy Ottawa Police Staff-Sgt. Mark Pinault, coordinator of the national strategy against marijuana grows, took part in yesterday's raids and is developing a country-wide enforcement strategy. Yesterday, police first raided a home on Belvia Dr., in the Dufferin St.-Rutherford Rd. area, seizing about 450 plants. Shortly after, police moved on another home on Sunset Ridge, in the Major Mackenzie Dr.-Islington Ave. area, where 270 plants were cut down. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens