Pubdate: Thu, 18 Mar 2010
Source: Daily Gleaner (CN NK)
Copyright: 2010 Brunswick News Inc.
Contact:  http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3857
Author: Jennifer Dunville

RCMP CRACKING DOWN ON INDOOR GROW OPS

The New Brunswick RCMP has disrupted more than 100 indoor marijuana 
grow operations since Jan.1.

About six have been considered "significant" and the rest have been 
smaller-scale cultivations.

The number of investigations this year has increased slightly over 
the same time period in 2009.

RCMP spokeswoman Const. Chantal Farrah said the public has helped in 
a number of the seizures.

"The increase in seizures doesn't necessarily mean that the market 
for marijuana is getting bigger," Farrah said. "Rather, it reflects 
the number of tips we've been getting from the public and the high 
priority the RCMP places on keeping illegal drugs out of our communities."

Farrah said many of the seizures have involved other illegal drugs, 
contraband tobacco and illegal firearms.

She said for that and other reasons, grow operations are dangerous to 
homes, businesses and the surrounding area.

"Indoor marijuana grow operations can be very hazardous. Depending on 
the scale of the operation, dangers can range from fire and toxic 
chemical exposure to bringing the potential for violence due to a 
'grow rip,' or the theft of plants by competing traffickers or 
organized crime," she said. "You don't want that in your community. 
Keeping marijuana off the streets and away from our young people will 
help to make New Brunswick safer."

The RCMP is urging anyone who notices signs of illegal marijuana 
production to report it to local police or Crime Stoppers at 
1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Farrah said the RCMP can't solve all crimes by itself.

"We rely on information from the public, so we want to remind people 
that this is a priority for us and we don't want the public to 
hesitate to call us if they suspect illegal activity," she said. "We 
only ask that people do not try to investigate themselves. If you 
have suspicions, just call and leave the investigations to the police."

More information about how to recognize the signs of indoor grow-op 
activity is available at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/fio-ofi/grow-ops-culture-eng.htm
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart