Pubdate: Thu, 18 Dec 2003
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2003 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: James McCarten, Canadian Press

COST OF GROW OPS IS HIGH: REPORT

TORONTO -- Indoor marijuana-growing operations pose an increasing
threat to public safety and cost consumers millions of dollars in
stolen electricity and insurance costs, concludes a study by the
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

"This study rips the veil off this often concealed criminal activity,"
said association president Chief Ean Algar following release of the
study yesterday.

"Commercial marijuana-grow operations are found in urban and rural
communities. They're located in residential areas. They are largely
controlled by organized crime, endanger children and their families
and cost our economy millions of dollars in stolen
electricity."

The report, Green Tide: Indoor Marijuana Cultivation and its Impact on
Ontario, was compiled by the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. It
examines data covering 2000 to 2002 and makes projections to the end of this
year.

Over the three-year period, it's estimated that indoor "grow ops"
increased by 250 per cent, with as many as 15,000 commercial grow ops
in operation in 2002 and 1.2 million plants seized by police.

The report adds up to 10,000 children may have been raised in grow ops
between 2000 and 2003. They are exposed to the health and safety risks
and physical violence associated with these operations, it adds. As
well, in 2002 alone, Ontario's electricity sector may have lost $85
million to electricity theft associated with commercial grow ops.

The report should convince the federal government that stiffer
penalties are needed to deter criminal activity involving marijuana,
said Kevin McAlpine, Durham Regional Police chief.
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