Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2008
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2008 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Tarina White, Sun Media
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

EX-COP'S TECHNOLOGY A REAL BUST

Calgary-developed technology that detects and reports spiked
electricity use has enabled cops to bust several marijuana grow-ops
with more than $750,000 worth of plants.

Four Chestermere homes used to cultivate marijuana were recently
identified as a result of the technology created by Calgary company
dTechs epm Ltd. (dTechs), founded by a former drug sergeant.

dTechs collaborated with Calgary police, the RCMP and utility provider
Fortis Inc. to bust the grow-ops, which turned up about 31 kg of pot.
Two of the homes were raided yesterday at 136 Springmere Rd. and 163
Springmere Cl., uncovering more than 400 marijuana plants.

The heavy electricity usage was detected in the four homes within an
area of Chestermere that included more than 900 homes.

Excessive electricity use is often coincident with electricity theft,
which in many cases is the result of a marijuana grow-op along the
line, said Roger Morrison, president and founder of dTechs.

The Chestermere grow-ops were discovered during a full system test for
the innovative technology, following initial testing last year that
led to nine marijuana grow-ops in a residential area of 603 homes.

"We are extremely pleased with our results and after three years of
hard work on this project, we have a great sense of achievement," said
Morrison.

"The impacts related to public safety, organized crime issues and
electrical-efficiency potential are unprecedented."

Morrison, a former supervisor for the Southern Alberta Marijuana
Investigation Team, developed the wireless technology as a result of
his police work, which involved dismantling marijuana grow-ops.

Electricity theft is estimated to exceed $1 billion a year in Canada,
said Morrison.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath