Pubdate: Thu, 17 Nov 2005
Source: Voice, The (CN BC Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Langara College
Contact:  http://www.langara.bc.ca/voice/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3592
Author: Amrinder Sandhar
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

GROW-OP WARNING HELPS PREVENTION

Local House Shut Down Twice for Marijuana Grow-Op Could Stop Future
Operations From Moving into the Area

Warning the public that a house and its owners are tied to growops is
one way the city of Vancouver can fight the problem of illegal
marijuana grow operations, say city officials.

Pattie Hayes, a bylaw enforcement coordinator for the city, said there
are currently 30 homes that have been given a 336D notice, which warns
potential homeowners or renters that the building had been used for a
grow-op.

Hayes said the city started implementing these notices a few years
ago, when they found certain homes being used for grow-operations more
than once. "It's a way for us to get a handle on grow-ops," she said.

On Oct. 11, 2005, the owners of a home at 1805 East 51 Ave. were given
a 336D notice. Vancouver police media liaison Const. Howard Chow, said
the VPD visited the house twice and found grow operations on both occasions.

Chow said the number of grow-ops in the city has decreased. This, he
said, is due to the establishment of Growbusters in 1999, a task force
associated with the Vancouver police drug unit. Growbusters works in
partnership with BC Hydro, city inspectors, and the fire department.

Don Briere, a marijuana activist who is running for city council, also
supports warning future home buyers.

"Homes with grow-ops can have mould and chemical spills that give off
fumes, which would be harmful to future residents," he said.

He added marijuana grow operations should be in fields and
greenhouses, not in homes. 
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