Pubdate: Wed, 03 Aug 2011 Source: Simcoe Reformer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2011 Sun Media Contact: http://www.simcoereformer.ca/feedback1/default.aspx?e4=an_editorialemail Website: http://simcoereformer.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2386 Referenced: Crime Stoppers: http://www.helpsolvecrime.com/cotw/ PRIVATE PILOTS ASKED TO HELP SPOT MARIJUANA PATCHES Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg is asking pilots to be an "eye in the sky" as the crime fighting program looks to help combat illegal drug crops. Launched provincially in the 1990s, Operation Pot Spot, appeals to aviation enthusiasts and encourages them to be observant for suspicious activity, such as illegal marijuana crops, while flying over rural areas. "When pilots see something that they feel is suspicious, they are encouraged to record the location through a global positioning system and then contact Crime Stoppers anonymously," said Crime Stoppers chairperson Gord Little in a press release. Many illegal marijuana crops are planted outdoors. From the sky, marijuana plants are bright green, sometimes appear in clusters, and can even be grown among legitimate crops such as corn. Often the surrounding area is trampled. Signs of an illegal marijuana grow operation may also include vehicles parked on the side of roads or trails, people frequenting remote areas for no apparent reason, signs of gardening (fertilizer bags, planting trays, etc.) in remote areas; and trampled or cleared areas in swamps, woods or fields. Crime Stoppers cautions individuals to never enter a suspected marijuana patch. Doing so may be dangerous. Individuals should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously or call their local police service. To share information about illegal drug activity, or any crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online helpsolvecrime.com . - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.