Pubdate: Mon, 26 Jan 2015
Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471
Author: Morgan Modjeski
Page: A1

HUGE DROP IN ILLEGAL GROW-OPS

Illegal Grows Way Down, While Legal Operations Create New Concerns

Calgary has seen dramatic drop in arrests, charges and search 
warrants related to illegal marijuana grow-ops since 2009, but legal 
weed operations are posing a growing challenge for local law enforcement.

Offences connected to illegal grow-ops plunged 58 per cent, according 
to police data provided to Metro. But while those figures have 
declined, the number of people growing legally is on the rise, 
according to Alberta's Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).

"Many of the same people that previously we had arrested for illegal 
grow operations now suddenly have medical marijuana permits," said 
CPS Staff Sgt. Keith Hurley, who oversees ALERT's Green Team, which 
monitors illegal drug production.

"I'm not saying they all do but I'm saying there are an awful lot of 
linkages there."

He explained the number of legal grow-ops ALERT has come across 
either through tips or investigation has been fluctuating, with a 
total of seven in 2011, 77 in 2013 and 45 in 2014.

The higher numbers could pose challenges for law enforcement when it 
comes to trafficking investigations and offences.

"If somebody is operating and they have a medicinal permit and 
they're using it as a ruse ... it's a lot more difficult to prove and 
it takes a lot more resources and a lot more time."

Ed Jensen, president of the Alberta Real Estate Association, said 
illegal residential grow-ops present a number of issues around health 
and safety.

"They're a concern to all of us because of the end results," he said.

"Marijuana grow-ops, in my mind, it's really simple. They're a 
criminal operation for profit, bottom-line, and the criminals don't 
care what happens to these properties."

"They alter the structure of the properties, and all of those things, 
at the end of the day, create structural damages to the property and 
health hazards to the families."

In March 2014, Health Canada ended its program allowing the 
production of marijuana in individual residences, with licensed 
commercial facilities set to take their place. However, an interim 
injunction filed in 2014 means some permit holders can still produce 
in their homes.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom