Pubdate: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 Source: Chatham Daily News, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2007 OSPREY Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.chathamdailynews.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1627 Author: Bob Boughner Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) POT POPULAR CASH CROP Officer Says Planting Part Of Organized Crime RIDGETOWN - Rural landowners have an obligation to make certain their property isn't being used for criminal purposes. "Farmers and others who lease land in rural areas should carefully check out the background of those leasing the property," OPP Det. Sgt. Brett Mailloux said Friday. The unit commander of the OPP's drug enforcement section in Windsor said "we want our agricultural partners to make themselves more aware of the potential problems that can arise so they can safeguard themselves." Mailloux spoke to a large number of farmers attending the second and final day of the 14th annual Southwest Agricultural Conference in Ridgetown on Thursday. In a telephone interview Friday, Mailloux said it's important that farmers know who they are renting their land to and what type of crops will be produced. Mailloux said there is an alarming increase in weapons violence associated with the illegal outdoor production of marijuana. "Today's illegal growers are using a lot of sophisticated and dangerous equipment to protect their illegal crops," he said. Mailloux said the booby-traps and other devices used by illegal growers present a serious health threat to the unsuspecting public. "We know of cases where armed guards have been used to protect marijuana crops growing in fields," he said. Mailloux said the days of someone growing a few plants in the middle of a corn field are long gone. "It's serious organized crime today," he said. "It's not a bunch of guys out trying to make a few dollars on the side." Mailloux said there has also been a dramatic increase in the manufacture of crystal meth. He said the production process can result in explosions and the creation of toxic gases. "There are six to 10 pounds of toxic waste from every pound of crystal meth," he said. Mailloux said there is concern that the toxic waste finds its way into rivers and streams and farmland. Thamesville-area farmer Dennis Jack said individuals who grow marijuana in fields owned by unsuspecting farmers are a real problem. "They take advantage of our real estate to grow a cash crop," said Jack, past-president of the Ontario Corn Producers' Association. "Many get caught, but others get away with it." Jack said he doubts many farmers would rent land to a non-established individual. Jack said he's found some marijuana plants growing in his fields over the years and always reports it right away. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek