Pubdate: Sat, 03 Mar 2007
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Kim Guttormson, Calgary Herald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

ENMAX MAY HELP DETECT GROW OPS

Police are working with Enmax on methods to track power being 
diverted to marijuana grow ops.

"We clearly know millions of dollars a year are stolen in theft of 
power," said Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, a proponent of giving police 
more tools to fight the illegal drug houses.

"We must do something about it.

"We're having a whole new strategy we're bringing into play." Drug 
unit Staff Sgt. Monty Sparrow said the department is working with the 
city's electricity provider to determine where power is being stolen 
to fuel the hydroponic systems used to grow the plants.

"It does have to do with the ability to recognize that more power is 
leaving Enmax than they're getting paid for," he said, adding the 
company is currently testing the technology.

On Wednesday, the city's community and protective services committee 
will receive a report that outlines a legal review of bylaws used in 
other jurisdictions to curtail the number of grow ops. It states that 
some of the rules used in British Columbia, for example, can't be 
applied in Calgary because the city isn't allowed to regulate matters 
covered by the provincial fire and building codes.

It recommends a review of the city's raid procedures, which involve 
the police service, the health region and city safety code officers, 
over the next year to "determine any material deficiencies in the 
current process." Staff would report back by January 2008.

It also recommends talking to the province about amending the 
Municipal Government Act so that the cost of grow-op raids could be 
levied against a home's property taxes.

"We have a cautious law department," Colley-Urquhart said. "I think 
the law department should be trying to push the envelope on these 
issues. This is being very conservative." Tory MLA Harvey Cenaiko, a 
former police officer, said he'll try to arrange a meeting with city 
officials and the ministers of energy, justice and environment, as 
well as the solicitor general. "Any plan that comes out looking at 
any solutions regarding the investigative aids and/or penalties has 
to be consistent throughout the province."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman