Pubdate: Fri, 23 Aug 2002
Source: Parry Sound North Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Parry Sound North Star
Contact:  http://www.parrysound.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1618

MARIJUANA 'GROWS' BENEFIT FROM LONG HOT SUMMER

NORTH BAY - The long hot summer has been well suited to the illegal 
cultivation of marijuana. The Ontario Provincial Police are asking the 
public to report any unusual crop, cultivation or suspicious activity that 
they might see.

Each spring marihuana traffickers attempt to find secluded areas to grow 
the illegal plant.

Crown land, farm properties, berry patches and the wet areas adjacent to 
marshes and swamps are all favoured locations. It is quite common for 
growers to trespass and plant on private property in an effort to insulate 
themselves from their illegal activities.

As summer progresses, those involved in the outdoor cultivation of 
marijuana often make frequent trips to their 'grow' sites to ensure their 
plants are properly watered and fertilized. The need for ongoing crop 
maintenance, combined with a strong desire to avoid detection, may result 
in unusual activity in remote areas of the Northeast Region.

The presence of unfamiliar vehicles parked in secluded areas at odd hours, 
and the creation of new footpaths or ATV trails leading from rural roads 
into the bush may be indicative of marijuana cultivation activity.

Of particular concern to police is the increased use of 'booby traps', 
designed to inflict grievous bodily injury or death, by growers attempting 
to protect their plantations. Though these devices may be intended to 
protect marijuana plots from theft by rival traffickers or removal by 
enforcement personnel they are equally likely to injure hikers, landowners 
and others who inadvertently stumble upon the growing operations.

Every year members of the public are responsible for finding and reporting 
many of these 'grow' sites. Once again Near North Crime Stoppers and the 
Ontario Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Units are requesting the 
public's assistance in combating outdoor marijuana cultivation throughout 
the North East Region.

In the event you encounter a marijuana growing operation simply record the 
exact location, leave at once and call Crime Stoppers or the nearest police 
service. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-888-222-TIPS
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MAP posted-by: Beth