Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 Source: Prescott Journal, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2011 The Prescott Journal. Contact: http://www.prescottjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2230 Author: Jeff Morris RCMP TAKES LEAD IN FIGHT AGAINST GROW-OPS One of the first major media announcements to come out of the new RCMP headquarters addresses one of the biggest crime problems that Grenville County has been struggling with over the past few years. The RCMP called a press conference at their headquarters at Prince of Wales and Merivale and announced a national strategy to combat marijuana grow-ops. The grow-op problem has been an ugly one that has crept into Eastern Ontario over the past decade. It has been a problem that has grown exponentially. Although Prescott has not been hit as hard as some other communities closer to Ottawa, the problem has certainly hit the rural areas outside of Prescott. The national strategy launched by the RCMP is called the Marijuana Grow Initiative (MGI). "Marijuana grow operations pose a serious threat to Canadians, the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers fighting against these illegal operations," said Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. "The Government of Canada is taking action to combat illicit marijuana cultivation in Canada, as well the organized crime elements behind it." Complimentary to the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the MGI was developed in collaboration with subject matter experts from across the country and represents the RCMP's renewed commitment to fight marijuana production controlled by organized crime groups. Based on three key components: Awareness, Deterrence and Enforcement; the MGI outlines how the RCMP will work with partners and community members. It helps inform the Canadian public about the consequences, inherent hazards and destructive impacts these activities and criminal groups have on their communities. "(Marijuana Grow Operations) harm communities. Wherever they exist, there's the potential for an increase in criminal activity and a greater chance of fire, explosions, and violence," stated RCMP A/Commr. Mike Cabana. "This initiative is part of the RCMP's renewed commitment and priority to combat marijuana production controlled by organized crime groups." The RCMP is also launching a new page on the public website that will act as a centralized database of residences where a MGO or clandestine lab was dismantled by the RCMP under the authority of a search warrant. This site will be consistently updated with new properties and it will also provide guidance and feature resources for landlords and buyers alike concerning the damages MGOs and clandestine labs have on a property and its occupants. If you have information about a marijuana grow op in your neighborhood or your area, you can anonymously supply information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.