Pubdate: 08 Nov 2011 Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC) Contact: 2011 The Abbotsford Times Website: http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009 Author: Cam Tucker, The Times APD HOPES NEW PROJECT HELPS WEED OUT GROW-OPS In another effort to crack down on gangs and organized crime, the Abbotsford Police Department launched a new initiative Thursday targeting marijuana grow operations. The APD announced the beginning of ts Marijuana Enforcement Project, which ill focus the patrol division on helping to liminate illegal grow operations in he city, with the mentorship of a ember from the department's rug unit, said Const. Ian Maconald. "Under the tutelage of an experienced drug enforcement unit member, patrol resources are going to be mustered and applied to doing what we can to rid Abbotsford of as many illegal marijuana grow operations as possible," said MacDonald. As they relate to the project, part of the patrol's tasks will be to help identify as many grow operations as possible in Abbotsford so the department can take further actions. MacDonald said most of the information coming to the APD's drug unit on the city's drug trade was already coming from the patrol division. "What we decided to do was not let that go to waste," said MacDonald. The project is designed to give patrol members the added assistance of a drug enforcement member who will help them gain experience with drug files. "All the members will have one person who will assist them with all their marijuanarelated [intelligence] and coordinate and assist with warrants and warrant execution," said MacDonald. "And he can be that liaison back to both drug squad and gang squad with all that great stuff patrol is doing." In the long term, the APD is hoping the project will help rid the city of as many grow-ops as posible and increase public safety. It wasn't specified how many active grow-ops there are in Abbotsford, however, there have been instances of violence resulting from grow rips. "People will often concentrate on the potential fire hazards . . . and those are very real concerns," said MacDonald. "But the violence that is inherent with the drug trade . . . it's all part of organized crime and gangs. "If we want to be serious about stemming the gang violence and making the community safer, then it's something police have to do something about." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.