Pubdate: Tue, 14 Nov 2006
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Canoe Inc
Contact:  http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Irwin Loy, 24 Hours

HYDRO BILLS EYED FOR GROW-OPS?

Richmond fire inspectors want to take a peek at your next hydro bill.

It's part of a trial strategy meant to sniff out the city's grow-ops. 
City council is being asked to give the idea the thumbs up at a meeting today.

If approved, the plan would see the creation of an electrical safety 
inspection program targeting grow-ops. B.C. Hydro would be asked to 
reveal the names and addresses of residents who use at least triple 
the average electricity consumption rate, and a five-person team 
would be charged with investigating unusually high usage.

The model is based on a recent pilot program in Surrey, which is 
credited with busting 118 grow ops over a three-month period. Over 
the same stretch, Surrey RCMP took down 75 grow-ops.

It could represent an apparent shift towards addressing the public 
safety concerns of grow-ops, as opposed to criminal prosecution.

In Surrey, a report from fire chief Len Garis notes law enforcement 
has been steadily leaning towards dismantling grow-ops without 
necessarily pursuing criminal prosecution, because prosecution 
requirements have become more stringent.

"This is coupled with the seeming reluctance of the courts to address 
the burgeoning marijuana trade through increased penalties," Garis writes.

B.C. municipalities are allowed to ask B.C. Hydro for reports on 
suspiciously high-consumption patterns after the province made 
changes to its Safety Standards Act earlier this year.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Just how many grow-ops are there in B.C.?

- - According to the Fraser Institute: 7,000 - 17,550 grow-ops in 2004, 
a $2 billion value.

- - According to the RCMP:

20,000 grow-ops in 2005

$7 billion value
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MAP posted-by: Elaine