Pubdate: Fri, 21 Feb 2003
Source: South Delta Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 South Delta Leader
Contact:  http://www.southdeltaleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1241
Author: Philip Raphael
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

SOUTH DELTA RELATIVELY POT FREE

The Delta Police drug section is currently investigating about 10 suspected 
grow ops in South Delta, a far cry from neighbouring communities such as 
Richmond where RCMP officials believe that as many as 500 illegal, and very 
lucrative operations are being undertaken.

"The reputation of Delta taking a hard line in investigating and shutting 
down grow ops is one of the reasons for the comparatively few numbers," 
claimed Delta Police spokesperson Sharlene Brooks.

The last reported grow op bust was in November last year when a warehouse 
in the Tilbury Industrial Park was found to contain 523 marijuana plants 
worth approximately $500,000.

Brooks said the crack down on illegal grow ops across Delta in 2000, 
Operation Bud Out, has had a lasting effect in preventing the marijuana 
trade from re-establishing in significant numbers.

That blitz netted a total of 102 grow ops, most of them in the North Delta 
area.

Brooks said the reason North Delta showed a higher number of grow ops is 
the likelihood there are more rental properties on the market than in 
Ladner and Tsawwassen. Brooks added, most grow operators prefer to target 
rental properties when deciding where to set up.

Another reason Delta has few grow ops has been the public's awareness and 
diligence in reporting suspicious activities associated with the 
operations, Brooks said.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl