Pubdate: Sat, 23 Oct 2004
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Bruce Campion-Smith , Ottawa Bureau
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

LID PUT ON POT EQUIPMENT SALES

OTTAWA--Some marijuana growers are going to have to find themselves a new 
equipment supplier -- the federal government has closed up shop.

Scott Brison, the minister of public works and government services, has 
stopped all sales of equipment seized in marijuana grow operations after 
learning that drug dealers were buying the gear back at public auctions.

"When I became aware of the situation I decided to put an immediate freeze 
on any transactions of this nature," he told the Commons yesterday.

"There will be no reselling of this type of paraphernalia or equipment that 
is used in hydroponic grow operations," he said.

Brison acted after getting a letter from York police Chief Armand LaBarge 
this week complaining that equipment found at a marijuana growing operation 
in Whitchurch-Stouffville in August had been seized by police before.

An investigation found that the scales, fans, generators and dehumidifiers 
had been sold at government auctions after being seized by police in York 
and Halton regions and London, Ont., over the last few years.

LaBarge said it was "appalling" that the confiscated gear was being resold 
at "bargain basement prices."

He urged Brison to change the Seized Property Management Act so that these 
items are destroyed rather than sold to the public.
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