Pubdate: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 Source: Vankleek Hill Review, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 The Vankleek Hill Review Contact: http://www.thereview.on.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2419 Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. GROWERS GET TOUGH WITH "POT PIRATES" The recent shooting death of a man near Greenfield is an example of the violence people will resort to in order to protect lucrative marijuana growing operations, says the Ontario Provincial Police. During the past year, violence, weapons, traps and death have become the buzz words when officers discuss marijuana grow operations in the province. The OPP has investigated 450 marihuana grows so far this year and has destroyed 138,993 marijuana plants. Police officers have noticed a drastic increase in marijuana crops being protected from "pot pirates" by individuals who are armed with weapons, including high powered firearms and booby traps. With marijuana production being a multi-billion dollar business, there are groups who will go to all extremes to protect their venture, but there are also groups that will go to all extremes to steal the marijuana as well, police point out. The "alarming" number of weapons that OPP officers have seized and the number of elaborate booby traps that officers need to evade have caused grave concern for the safety of officers and the public. "Community and officer safety is the paramount consideration in all aspects of drug investigations," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino. "The OPP is committed to educating young people and our community partners about the dangers of illicit drugs and drug production labs. These labs must be aggressively investigated and shut down as an alarming number of people have been injured in relation to these illegal operations in recent years." In the September 15 shooting on Kenyon Concession 5, west of Greenfield, Patrick Lavoie, 33, of Montreal, was fatally wounded while two others were shot. Police have charged (redacted), 29, of Montreal, with armed robbery. (redacted), 31, of Rigaud, is charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a prohibited device, production of marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking. (redacted), 21, of Montreal, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and production of marijuana. During investigations of marijuana operations, police officers have seized every weapon imaginable, from machine guns and assault rifles to detonator cord and blasting caps. The public is urged to "help protect your community and the officers who have sworn to protect you. Report all suspicious activity to your local police service or call Crimestoppers." The OPP says: "It takes police and community working together to create a safe community, a secure Ontario," - --- MAP posted-by: Derek