Pubdate: Wed, 07 Dec 2005
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: Maureen Gulyas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/grow+operations

POLICE PURSUING CHARGES FOLLOWING GROW-OP BUST

Two men have been arrested and charges are pending after the Delta
police drug section seized over 350 plants at a commercial marijuana
growing operation on River Road last Thursday.

Const. Kim Sheridan said the plants were valued at $168,000. Another
$8,000 worth of growing equipment was seized from the scene of the
grow-op in the 11100-block of River Road.

"Two adult males were arrested and charges for the production of the
marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking have been
recommended," Sheridan said.

She said the drug section has actively pursued charges for those
involved in the production and trafficking of marijuana, in particular
those involved in grow operations.

The superintendent in charge of operations, Brad Parker, warns those
individuals currently operating grow operations within this community
that they may not be first to be arrested and charged, but they will
be next, Sheridan said.

Delta has employed a zero tolerance toward grow-ops. The policy is not
only to dismantle, but to pursue charges through the courts.

Police want to get that message to those growing marijuana as well as
to the community to encourage the public to keep up what Parker called
earlier this year "the social contract" between police and the people
it serves.

"I think it gives he community confidence that if they report it, it's
gong to be dealt with," Parker said.

Several years ago, Delta police were flooded with complaints about
marijuana growing operations in residential neighbourhoods. At one
point, it was estimated Delta was home to 200 to 300 indoor grow-ops.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin