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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth