Pubdate: Thu, 02 Aug 2012 Source: Fernie Free Press (CN BC) Copyright: 2012 Black Press Contact: http://www.thefreepress.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/999 Author: Jonathan Arenson BC HYDRO'S NEW SMART METERS MAY HELP RMCP WITH BUSTING MARIJUANA GROW OPS BC Hydro's new smart meters may help local the RCMP in busting marijuana grow operations. BC Hydro recently began installation of 10,000 smart meters across the Elk Valley. Along with the new smart meters, BC Hydro created two new investigator positions in Cranbrook, said Sgt. Dave Dubnyk with the Elk Valley RCMP. Their primary objective is to detect and investigate hydro theft. "Often hydro theft and marijuana grow operations go hand in hand. When appropriate we will work with those investigators." At the July 16 Sparwood council meeting, Dubnyk presented the Elk Valley RCMP's first quarterly report. Dubnyk said there has been three marijuana grow operation busts in the Elk Valley in this fiscal year, which runs from April 2012 to March 2013. "Every year we do a consultation with all our mayors and councils to see what everybody's main concerns are for policing priorities," said Dubnyk. "Inevitability in every town drug and alcohol abuse is always high on the list." One of the Elk Valley RCMP's initiatives is to try and concentrate more on the detection and eradication of marijuana grow operations. Dubnyk said they have set a benchmark goal of six busts in the year, but they will not stop at that. "We have more of a concentrated effort on getting out and getting the information from people on the street and then once we have the information, making sure we act on it in a timely manner," said Dubnyk. Dubnyk urges anyone who suspects or knows about marijuana grow operations to contact their local RCMP detachment or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). - --- MAP posted-by: Matt