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." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman