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).
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MAP posted-by: Matt