Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2008
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Richmond Public Library
Contact:  http://www.richmondreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Linda Cooper
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n482.a11.html and
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n474.a03.html

GROW-OP INSPECTIONS VS. YOUR RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

I read with interest the letter from Wilbur Walrond ("A visit from the
grow-op inspectors," Letters, May 10). Stories and letters regarding
these illegal inspections and consequences are appearing daily in the
newspapers around the Lower Mainland.

When I wrote a letter to the editor about being careful of your rights
and freedoms when it came to illegal searches of your home by the
RCMP, I was criticized by various readers. People who don't accede
with these illegal field trips by the RCMP must have something to hide.

Some homeowners are allowed to go with the RCMP on their inspection
while other homeowners are ordered out of their house while the
inspection is being done. Some homeowners just have a cursory
inspection such as when a swimming pool is found, while others have
even their bedroom closets inspected looking for these "huge grow-ops"
or electrical deficiencies.

Seems we now have another problem with these grow-op inspections. What
happens when the homeowner is told to stay outside while their home is
being inspected and things go missing?

A member of the Langley fire department has been accused of stealing
property from one of the homes targeted by a team of municipal
officials responsible for shutting down marijuana grow-ops. The
"stolen item" was not marijuana said the RCMP.

Well thank goodness for that.

Linda Cooper

Richmond
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin