Pubdate: Thu, 04 Aug 2011 Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS) Copyright: 2011 Cape Breton Post Contact: http://www.capebretonpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777 POLICE ON THE HUNT FOR MARIJUANA GROW-OPS SYDNEY -- It's harvest time in the Maritimes for some crops and the RCMP are hoping a certain cash crop goes up in smoke. RCMP and municipal police agencies across the province are teaming up to nab marijuana growers and have already begun spotting some grow-ops by employing air surveillance. "Nova Scotia's landscape varies tremendously making it impossible to cover every piece of land," said Sgt. Keith MacKinnon, of the RCMP drugs and organized crime awareness service. As a result, MacKinnon said police are also depending on public assistance to pinpoint grow-ops. "It's crucial for the RCMP to have the communities' support to make Nova Scotia's communities safer. Community safety is everyone's responsibility and outdoor marijuana grow-operations pose a danger to public health and safety." Police contend that marijuana grow-ops are often associated with organized crime and that such sites are usually guarded by booby traps like bear traps or even armed watchmen. MacKinnon said at this time of year local residents like to get out and enjoy nature -- hiking, camping, fishing and hunting -- and they should keep a close eye out for marijuana grow-ops. He said the plants are bright green and the leaves have seven jagged fingers. The plants grow between three and six feet tall and give off an odour akin to that of a skunk. Grow-ops, said MacKinnon, will use a number of props to deflect suspicion, including hiding marijuana plants between natural-growing vegetation. MacKinnon said other things to watch for that may indicate a grow-op maybe close by include: - - Abandoned vehicles parked on side roads or trails - - People observed walking in remote areas for no apparent reason - - People trespassing onto fields on foot or by off-road vehicles - - Bags of fertilizer, planting trays, or chemicals located in remote areas or dumped at the side of the road; - - Well-trampled trails in wooded or swamp areas - - Cleared out areas in swamps, wooded areas or cornfields - - No trespassing or beware of dog signs within forests, cornfields, etc. MacKinnon said those who come across a grow-op should never approach the actual planted area because it could be booby-trapped. Seized crops are burned by police. He said information concerning marijuana grow-ops should be filed with any RCMP or municipal police agency. Reports can also be received by Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by a secure web tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award from $50 - $2,000 - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.