Pubdate: Mon, 17 Jun 2002
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Jessica Holmes

GROW-OP FIGURES HIGH

Crackdown by Delta Police Leads to Largest Increase in Province

A jump of 1,293 per cent in marijuana grow operations over four years in 
Delta may seem like a lot, but police say that number is confirmation of 
the success of Operation Bud Out.

"We're using it as a success story, if you will," said Delta police 
spokesperson Const. Sharlene Brooks. "If you're not investigating, it looks 
like there's no problem."

A report released this week by the University College of Fraser Valley 
found Delta to have the largest increase in grow-op cases in the province 
in 2000. The number of grow-ops that year was listed at 209, which was 75 
per cent higher than the provincial average.

On the other hand, the report also found Delta had the highest increase in 
the number of cases with identified suspects, a jump of 590 per cent.

The numbers were gathered from almost 12,000 grow-op investigations 
province-wide between 1997 and 2000.

Brooks said Delta statistics have been high in the last couple of years 
because police are cracking down on grow-ops.

Operation Bud Out was initiated in January of 2000 after a sharp rise in 
grow operations in 1999. That year saw 95 busts, compared to approximately 
35 the year before. The operation was also a response to a number of 
community safety issues such as home invasions, drive by shootings and 
fires triggered by unkempt grow-ops.

Bud Out allotted 12 officers to tackle the problem, which was previously 
handled by just two officers. Partnerships were also made with the 
Residential Tenancy branch, the fire department, community planning and the 
Crown counsel's office to educate the public on how to spot grow-ops. 
Public meetings were held and some 28,000 information packages were handed out.

In the first four months, the operation seized $8.6 million worth of drugs 
and equipment, executed 62 search warrants and arrested 75 people.

Brooks said the number of grow-ops in Delta has been reduced dramatically, 
to the point where police are now keeping an eye on between 20 and 25 
suspicious locations.

"At this point, we've got a very good handle on things," she said. "We've 
done a fabulous job and couldn't have done it without the community's help 
and the support of our partners."

The university report noted the majority of the suspects were found to be 
Caucasian males in their mid-30s, with an average 13-year criminal history.
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MAP posted-by: Alex