Pubdate: Wed, 26 Sep 2007
Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Maple Ridge News
Contact:  http://www.mapleridgenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1054/a01.html
Author: Bruce Symington

PROGRAM WILL PRODUCE MORE DANGEROUS GROW OPS

Editor, The News:

Re: Grow op project a 'success' (The News, Sept. 12).

Isn't it wonderful how the authorities repeatedly say that their
programs against illegal drugs are a success. Why, with all these
successes, it surely must be only a matter of days, perhaps weeks
until all the drugs are gone from our society.

The safety inspection program goes after houses with abnormal
electrical consumption.  If the home uses more than triple the normal
amount, it is flagged for investigation. There are two ways in which
pot growers will alter their practices in response: bypassing the
electric meter or else decreasing the number of lights per grow so the
consumption falls under the threshold.

Note that the first option will be undertaken by organized crime to
keep their larger operations undetected, the second is the more likely
response  of a small grower.

The bypass will lead to more, not less danger, as police have
repeatedly told us.  The second will actually lead to more, not fewer
grow ops as the size is diminished.

Talk about a make-work project for the cops; more, and more dangerous
grow ops.  Why the media does not question the police regarding these
unintended results is truly troubling.

Bruce Symington

Medicine Hat, Alta.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake