Anonymous Crime-Fighting Unit Released Stats For 2003 Crime Stoppers officials believe inconsistencies with Canada's drug laws likely played a part in reducing the number of anonymous drug-related tips in 2003. Kawartha Lakes Police Const. Robin Schilz, also the Crime Stoppers co-ordinator, believes changes in the country's laws for simple possession of marijuana last year reflect in the most recent statistics released by Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers. In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada made it not a criminal offence to possess small amounts of pot. [continues 231 words]
An Ontario appeal court ruling making it illegal once again to possess small quantities of pot, means police in the city will once again be charging people caught with less than 30 grams of marijuana. At least for now. Last Tuesday the Ontario appeal court restored a section of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, making it illegal to possess small quantities of marijuana; except for medicinal use. The announcement overturns a court decision earlier this year that allowed for small-scale possession, calling Canada's marijuana laws unconstitutional. [continues 289 words]
A massive pot bust at a Laxton Township property could have turned deadly very quickly after police confronted six armed men posing as police officers. On Sunday, members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the OPP drug enforcement section were conducting a search of a 15,000-plant marijuana grow off Kawartha Lakes Road 45 near Head Lake when OPP say six men dressed as police officers entered the grow site in a truck. Police say they were armed with handguns and one 30-caliber rifle, and were dressed in tactical police gear, including windbreaker-style jackets and shirts, marked with the word "Police." [continues 539 words]
Police are warning residents to keep tabs on suspicious behaviour as dope fiends city-wide prepare to sow their crops, unbeknownst to many property owners. "Every year around this time we have a large amount of marijuana that's planted," said OPP Constable Ted Schendera, noting in a lot of cases the property owner is unaware the growing is taking place. "It's hard to give directions of any particular area to watch, but in particular (be aware of) back roads, less traveled areas, farmers' fields, bush lots, and certainly forested areas." [continues 255 words]
