Pubdate: Thu, 02 May 2002 Source: Valley Voice, The (CN BC) Section: Page 14, Notes From The RCMP Copyright: 2002 The Valley Voice Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1388 Note: No known website. Contact data not verified. DRUG CRACK DOWN SINCE NOVEMBER Since November last year, in an effort to crack down on drug offences, Nelson RCMP have executed numerous search warrants in the area. Ricardo Ferri was charged with theft of hydro over $5,000 and mischief over $5,000. William Jason Anderson was charged with production of marijuana. Mikhail Reid and Robert Hoddinott were charged with production of marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Ken Gravenor was convicted of possession of marijuana, fined $500 and forfeited $3,225. A search warrant for production of marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking was executed near Taghum; charges are pending. During a one-week blitz in April, five warrants resulted in five houses being searched, and charges are pending against a number of individuals for production and possession for the purpose of trafficking. A total of 3,000 plants have been seized since November. Sgt. Jim Reaburn says these could have produced an average of 419 kilograms of pot, or "more than 2.1 million marijuana cigarettes. "Some residents may feel that growing marihuana is harmless but just within April 2002, files have been generated that show the other oide of growing marihuana. Marihuana producers hve been throwing waste alongside roads, highways, residential areas. Creeks have been blocked to supply water for operations, large amounts of fertilizers have entered into the earth and later trickle into the water ecosystem, waste has been burned into the atmosphere. Marihuana grow operations also waste extensive amounts of electricity that are needed to run lights, fans, etc. Precious hydro resources are depleted that could have been conserved and used by future generations." Police say they will continue to execute search warrants to help reduce the crimes associated with drug offences, such as home invasions which have occurred recently. They add that organized crime has been associated with some of the grow ops, posing threats to the security of individuals in the Nelson area. Most of the grow ops were in rental properties, which had been damaged by the operation; one home had more than $40,000 in damage. Insurance companies may not pay for these or might impose a $10,000 deductible, police say. The RCMP are asking residents to report suspicious activities, either by calling them directly or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth