Pubdate: Fri, 27 Feb 2004
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Laura Czekaj

POT GROWERS DIG RURAL AREAS

Criminals seeking secluded spots to grow marijuana are increasingly setting 
up in rural areas in hopes of eluding police. "It's becoming a bigger 
problem in rural areas," said Cornwall RCMP spokeswoman Sharon Villeneuve. 
"I would say they are changing their strategies as far as locations."

The criminals often plant marijuana among existing crops, usually without 
the knowledge of the farmer.

"In that case, they always hope to remove the crop before it is noticed," 
said Villeneuve.

The infiltration of large-scale marijuana grow ops in urban neighbourhoods 
is a mushrooming problem but rural communities are not immune to these 
criminal operations.

On Tuesday, two Winchester men were arrested and an estimated $1.5 million 
worth of marijuana plants were seized during a police raid at a former 
cattle barn on County Rd. 38.

Hydro Rigged

The joint operation by the OPP and RCMP netted 1,475 marijuana plants and 
$60,000 worth of hydroponic equipment.

Hydro meters had been bypassed, with an estimated $2,000 of electricity 
being diverted each month, and part of the barn was set up as living 
accommodations.

Police said the operation could produce up to two crops a year, generating 
an estimated $3 million for the pot growers.

William Laurie Eastman, 61, and Edward Rodney Whitford, 30, have been 
charged with production and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Although this bust was not the result of a tip from the public, Villeneuve 
stressed the importance of residents watching for possible grow ops.

However, she added that in rural areas where neighbours live far apart, it 
could be difficult for them to notice odd behaviour, more so than in urban 
neighbourhoods.

"Yes, I would have to say it is a bigger problem," she said.

"That's why we always invite the community to give us a call if they see 
anything unusual."

Organized Crime

The majority of grow ops are run by organized crime and pose a significant 
threat to public safety, said Villeneuve.

"Often we find out that even home invasions end up having to do with drug 
money or to pay for drugs and everything is interrelated when it comes to 
violence," she said. "It wasn't the case this time, but there are other 
times when loaded guns are seized. So it is dangerous for the whole community."

This is the first time a grow operation of this nature has been discovered 
in the municipality, said North Dundas Mayor Alvin Runnalls. "I don't think 
it's a big problem," he added.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman