Pubdate: Thu, 03 Aug 2006 Source: Northern Life (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Northern Life Contact: http://www.northernlife.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2396 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) LAW GET TOUGH ON 'GROW OPS' (CNW) Legislation that gives new tools to police, utilities and municipalities to protect Ontario communities from the dangers of marijuana grow operations is now in full effect. Some provisions of the Law Enforcement and Forfeited Property Management Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005, came into effect in December. All remaining provisions came into effect Aug. 1. The new measures include allowing local hydro distribution companies to disconnect electrical supply without notice for emergency, safety or system reliability concerns; providing for the inspections of buildings that contained marijuana grow operations by local municipalities on notification by police; and using the proceeds of seized assets from grow ops for enforcement, crime prevention, victim compensation and the administration of criminal justice. The legislation followed extensive consultations with police, municipalities, fire prevention officials, electrical utilities and representatives from the banking, insurance and real estate sectors. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake