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.
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MAP posted-by: Josh