Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2012
Source: Caledon Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 Caledon Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.caledoncitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4619

POLICE WARN THAT OUTDOOR GROW-OPS REMAIN A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF THE
PUBLIC

As the annual harvest period approaches, OPP are reminding residents
of the dangers associated with outdoor marijuana grow-ops.

Typically, marijuana crops will be harvested starting as early as late
August up until the beginning of October. During this period, many
people involved in growing illegal marijuana head into rural areas to
continue to care for and harvest, in some cases, very large plots of
plants. Police added that typically, these illicit crops are located
in swamps, corn fields, wooded areas, along rivers and on large rural,
rental properties.

The numerous public safety risks include the potential presence of
weapons and ammunition found on grow-op sites, as well as the
potential for booby traps, rigged by the criminals growing these
plants in an attempt to defend their illegal crops from other
criminals, known as "pot pirates." All of these factors could lead to
dangerous confrontations for unsuspecting, innocent people, including
children, who just happen to be in the area of these illegal crops.

Another risk police want to highlight is environmental. These criminal
operations usually involve the unregulated use and disposal of many
chemicals and other environmentally-damaging products.

The OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU)
continue to warn the public about the increasing threat to public and
police officer safety posed by the expansion of marijuana cultivation.
Marijuana grown in Ontario is typically distributed throughout the
province and exported to the United States. Stronger drugs, such as
cocaine, as well as weapons and cash, often return to Ontario to fuel
other criminal enterprises, which further endanger public safety.

Marijuana plants are bright green in colour and grow to between three
and five feet in height. Marijuana leaves have seven jagged fingers
and the plants give off a strong, pungent, musty odour. Common
indicators of outdoor marijuana grow operations include: =81 Abandoned
vehicles parked on side roads or trails. =81 People observed walking in
remote areas for no apparent reason. =81 Bags of fertilizer, planting
trays or chemicals located in remote areas. =81 Well-trampled trails in
wooded or swamp areas. =81 Cleared out areas in swamps, wooded areas or
corn fields. =81 Recent posting of "No Trespassing" signs.

Public Safety Tips

If you discover or suspect an outdoor marijuana grow operation: =81 As
soon as possible, call the local police or Crime Stoppers. =81 Do not
touch the marihuana plants due to potential chemical residue on the
plants. =81 If confronted by a marihuana grower, leave the area
immediately and contact police. =81 If possible and safe to do so,
record any licence plate or GPS information and notify police. =81 In
some cases, outdoor marijuana grows are guarded or protected by booby
traps. People who discover a crop of marijuana plants are urged not
enter the area. For their personal safety, they should turn around and
immediately leave the area the same they came in.

People with information regarding illegal marijuana grow-ops should
contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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MAP posted-by: Matt