Pubdate: Mon, 05 Nov 2012 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2012 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/letter-to-editor Website: http://www.calgarysun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Nadia Moharib WEED WHACKERS Province-wide consultations are expected to start in upcoming weeks to see what changes can be made on the provincial front to better fight marijuana grow operations. Spearheaded by Alberta Solicitor General Jonathan Denis, consultations will be not only with police but communities and others impacted by illegal grow operations. Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson, who worked with the Green Team in recent years, said there are a number of rules which could be introduced by the province to help better deal with the scourge. Standardized inspection methods after grow ops are identified and dismantled, for instance, would ensure houses once used for the illicit operations are remediated to the same standards. Another possibility to protect future purchasers is to see on a home's title registry that it was once used as a grow op rather than finding out from a neighbour informing them about a property's nefarious past, he said. Grow operations, set up in residential communities, pose risks of associated violence such as home invasions, heath concerns and perils like fire. Several years ago, five Citadel homes were destroyed and two others damaged, along with 11 vehicles, in a $2 million dollar fire linked to marijuana production. From April to October 2012 Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams did 54 search warrants, seizing 26,136 plants in southern Alberta, pegged at about $32-million in street value. "We don't know the true numbers," Hanson said of operations in the city. "That's always the problems we are faced with as a Green Team, and the risks are huge." Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart has long pushed for changes, including calling for utility companies being legislated to report theft of power to help fight grow ops. Recently appointed to co-chair a national RCMP marijuana grow operations and clandestine lab council, she hopes the province-wide consultation leads to constructive options being introduced. "For eight years, we've tried to meet with the provincial government and they gave us platitudes - I'm really pleased the minster is taking these steps," she said. "Many times we feel like we are treading water. "It's not just a policing problem, it has to be a collective action by the community." Grow-ops lead to about $20 million in losses a year in theft of power. At any time there are an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 quietly operating in Calgary with Crime Stoppers receiving up to 500 tips on suspected grow-ops each year. [sidebar] HOW TO SPOT A GROW-OP * Signs of excessive humidity/sweating on the exterior of the house * Condensation on windows * Excessive moisture at foundation * Snow melted off the roof, while others nearby are snow-covered * Minimal exterior upkeep * Occupants coming and going at odd hours and only staying for a few hours * Loud exhaust fans or the presence of unusual venting * A strong 'skunky' odour emanating from residence * No garbage put out on designated collection days * Guard dogs - - - - CALGARY GROW-OP STATISTICS IN 2012 (April to October) * 54 warrants executed * 26,136 plants seized * $31,686,250 street value - - - - If you think there is a grow operation in your community call the Drug Tip Line at 1-403-206-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 SOURCE: CALGARY POLICE AND RCMP - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom