Pubdate: Wed, 12 Sep 2007
Source: Review, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907
Author: Alison Langley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

RAZORS, NAILS PROTECTED GROW OP

Cops Avoid Injury In Stevensville Bust

A Niagara police officer narrowly escaped injury Saturday after he 
stepped on a board spiked with nails while dismantling a marijuana crop.

The 1.2-metre-long plank was nestled between a group of marijuana 
plants growing in a vegetable garden at a rural Stevensville Road home.

Niagara Regional Police say the dozens of nails sticking out of the 
board were intended to thwart would-be pot thieves. Fortunately, the 
officer stood on the board in such a way the sharp spikes did not 
puncture his shoes.

As police removed the plants, worth $20,000 on the street, a second 
danger was uncovered: A trail camera strapped to a fence was covered 
with razor blades.

The camera was inside a camouflage-coloured case and the tape used to 
affix the razors was also camouflage.

"If you grabbed the device or even brushed against it, you'd be cut," 
said Det. Sgt. Wayne Genders.

The camera was aimed at the illegal crop. Trail cameras are typically 
used by outdoor enthusiasts. The camera activates after it senses 
movement just outside its field of view.

Within the camera's scope were tomato plants and the marijuana crop, 
some as tall as 1.5 metres. All the marijuana plants had multiple 
stems and were ready for harvest, said Det. Const. Linda Hughes, who 
called them "monstrous large plants," she said.

In addition to facing a charge of production of a controlled 
substance, 33-year-old Jason Gibbs is charged with setting traps 
likely to cause bodily harm.

"It's a very uncommon charge. In my 23 years as a police officer, 
I've never laid such a charge," Genders said. A conviction carries up 
to 14 years behind bars.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom