Pubdate: Wed, 22 May 2002 Source: Chatham Daily News, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2002 Chatham Daily News Contact: http://www.canada.com/chatham/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1627 Author: Bruce Corcoran COPS WANT LONGER DRUG SENTENCES Hydroponic Pot On The Increase In the wake of nine hydroponic dope growing busts so far this year, Chatham-Kent's top cop wants to see stiffer sentences for repeat offenders. Chief Carl Herder appealed to the Chatham-Kent Police Services Board to take his concerns to higher levels of government, while the service will lobby the federal prosecutor's office and the Crown attorney to seek stronger sentences. The board will take the issue up with council and possibly the provincial and federal governments. The chief said growing marijuana often leads to other crimes, as dope is "the starting point for drug users." Harder drugs lead to harder efforts to support the habit. Since Jan. 1, the intelligence and drug enforcement unit has uncovered nine home-growing operations in Chatham-Kent, seizing $1.8 million worth of marijuana, $50,000 in stolen property and $100,000 in growing equipment. "Our garage is so full, I don't know what to do with it all," Herder said of the electrical equipment and specialized lamps Deputy Chief Jack Chambers said the bulky equipment has to be kept handy because it is evidence. He's amazed at what the professional growers are doing in Chatham-Kent and around the province. "Entire homes ? either purchased or rented ? are gutted and redone as hydroponic labs," he said. "These people set up in areas you would never expect." Chambers said the conversion can all but ruin a home. "The moisture and heat affects the structure of the house," he said, as most operations maintain a humid, warm climate with temperatures in excess of 30C, prompting the growth of mold. Hydroponic dope was the third largest cash crop in Ontario in 2001, Herder said. Despite the problem, few dope growers face stiff sentences. The chief said the maximum penalty for the cultivation and distribution of marijuana is 25 years, but most people receive 18- to 36-month sentences. "The amount of work that goes into preparing a search warrant for that is disheartening," Herder said. Neighbours can help police spot situations where homes have been converted into hydroponic gardens, he said. Things to look for include: * windows always covered; * very little activity outside the house, but evidence of digging around the hydro box; and * a lot of traffic or traffic at odd hours coming to the house. If you see anything suspicious, Herder suggests you call Crime Stoppers, as 99 per cent of their tips come through that operation. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh