Pubdate: Tue, 02 Aug 2005
Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Chilliwack Progress
Contact:  http://www.theprogress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562
Author: Robert Freeman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

GROW WATCH SCORES GROW-OP TAKE-DOWN

Grow-watchers on Fairfield Island watched (and sniffed), and reported, and 
then Chilliwack's drug squad pounced.

Nearly 850 marijuana plants were seized by police at a Fairbanks Crescent 
home last week, believed to be the first grow-op bust credited to 
Chilliwack's new Grow Watch program.

"It didn't come in the traditional way" with a report to the detachment, 
says RCMP Const. Steve Hiscoe, "but in the spirit of what Grow Watch is 
meant to be - that's exactly what happened."

He says RCMP drug strike force officers were investigating another 
suspected grow-op in the neighbourhood on Killarney Street, when some of 
the residents told them about the suspicious house on Fairbanks Crescent, 
just two doors away.

"People out walking their dogs at night, I think they could smell 
marijuana" venting from the home, Const. Hiscoe says.

Police obtained a search warrant on July 28 and discovered the 848 pot 
plants and grow equipment inside the home. No one was in the home at the 
time, but the police investigation continues.

The Grow Watch program in Chilliwack, believed the first in B.C., was 
launched last month to inform Chilliwack residents how to spot a grow-op 
and report it to police investigators to discourage grow-operators entering 
their neighbourhood.

Police found 218 marijuana plants at the Killarney Drive home during the 
July 27 search. No one has been arrested in that case either, but the 
police investigation continues.

Suspected marijuana grow-ops in your neighbourhood can be reported to the 
Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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