Pubdate: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 1999, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaSun/ Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html Author: Lisa Lisle EASTERN ONTARIO GOING TO POT Ontario Pot Growers Are Heading East. Results from the OPP's 1999 marijuana eradication program show that the eastern region of the province --accounting for more than half of the plants seized in the province --is the locale of choice for pot producers. More than 58,000 plants with a street value of about $69 million were seized in the region, which stretches from Havelock (near Peterborough) to the Quebec border. Det. Insp. Jim Hutchinson, manager of the drug enforcement section, said southwestern Ontario had been the most fruitful in past years but enforcement seems to have driven them out. "They're trying to hide their crops better," Hutchinson said, referring to marijuana producers. "Many of the plants we found were in marshes, bush areas and along riverbeds. And the eastern terrain is good for that. "The long, warm summer was also well suited to crop production," the veteran drug officer added. One of the largest seizures -- 4,819 plants found in North Glengarry Twp. in September --was found by accident. "The helicopter was going for gas," Hutchinson explained. A 34-year-old Quebec man was charged with production of a controlled substance. Helicopter searches were responsible for the seizure of 41,770 plants in the region while tips to OPP and municipal forces led police to 16,922 more plants. In Eastern Ontario, 70 people are facing 132 charges, including 14 weapons-related charges. Across the province, police seized a total of 110,385 plants with a street value of $120.7 million, almost three times the street value of last year's take. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake