Pubdate: Wed, 26 Mar 2003
Source: Surrey Now (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc., A Canwest Company
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Author: K. Clayton
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n418/a09.html?1160

POT IS ABOUT BIG MONEY AND PROBLEMS

The Editor,

Re: "Mellow approach to grow-ops wrong," the Now editorial, March 15.

Our pathetically impotent justice system almost appears to promote our 
province as a haven for marijuana cultivation. An estimated 4,500 grow-ops 
- - six per cent of Surrey's households - is beyond unacceptable; it's 
unquestionably disgusting. We live in what appears to be a nice 
family-oriented subdivision. We are surrounded by grow-ops. We can see nine 
of them from our residence. That does not include those only a block away. 
All of these grow-ops are operated by organized crime. This is not just 
about marijuana. This has become about murder, home invasions, drive-bys 
and other serious crimes. We have been told by RCMP officers to "be aware 
of our personal safety." Weapons have been found after busts. We were 
thankful that no one came upon the four men in balaclavas who attempted to 
ripoff one grow-op.

It sickens all of us to see these degenerates come and go while children 
play innocently nearby. It is abhorrent that these individuals receive less 
than a slap on the wrist, almost encouraging them them to immediately 
return to their indoor endeavours as they laughingly pay their meagre fines 
and return home the day after their arrest. We are no longer naively 
comforted when a grow-op is busted as we now know that it is simply an 
inconvenience to the grower for the loss of a crop and easily replaced 
equipment.

As organized crime gets richer, we all have to suffer the consequences of 
reduced property values. Grow-op houses are irreparably damaged by mold - 
thereby reducing resale value and the already declining desirability of our 
neighbourhoods. Does it not make sense that the illegal proceeds (ie: 
houses purchased with drug money) obtained from these unlawful operations 
should be channeled into police efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate 
these threats to our personal safety? Why should these criminals be able to 
walk through the judicial revolving door financially unscathed? Where else 
is the funding to come from? Solicitor General Coleman's budget has already 
been reduced by $3 million with an astounding $35 million to be cut next 
year. Take a bite out of crime where it hurts.

Our foremost concern is the safety of our families, our neighbours and our 
fellow citizens of Surrey. We ask this question of our politicians and 
judicial system: What is your foremost concern? Is it protecting citizens' 
safety or perpetuating through inaction what has become an epidemic of 
organized crime? Remember that actions speak louder than words.

K. Clayton Surrey
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom