OPP SLAM POT LAWS

Mounting calls for the decriminalization or outright legalization of
marijuana haven't dampened the spirits of those who spend their days
ferreting out illegal - and highly profitable - growing operations.

"We have to put aside what the politicians think and what a few groups (of)
squeaky wheels are trying to accomplish," said Det. Sgt. Rick Barnum, of
the OPP's Drug Enforcement Section.

Even as police welcome the addition of new tools to their arsenal - most
notably a helicopter dedicated to exposing outdoor growing operations -
work is being done at the federal level to explore how alternative drug
policies could impact marijuana use in Canada.

A Senate committee is reassessing current pot laws and will report back by
the end of next summer.

Through public consultations and by studying the social problems associated
with trafficking and drugs, the five-member committee will ultimately
present a strategy aimed at reducing the harm associated with cannabis.

Although early on in the process, it is becoming increasingly evident that
public sentiment is sure to play a role in any final recommendations.

Some have suggested that the possession of pot for personal use should no
longer be considered a criminal offense, but instead result in the
equivalent of a traffic ticket. Others have called for complete legalization.

Neither proposal has Barnum nodding his head in approval.

"We are at the ground level and we are seeing the damage it is doing within
communities," he said.

The seasoned drug enforcement officer recalled having entered households
where the children had little to eat, "but there seems to be marijuana in
the cupboards and booze in the fridge."

Barnum remains convinced that stepping-up enforcement efforts, rather than
diluting current laws, is the best solution.

The OPP's drug eradication helicopter recently netted what would later
prove to be Ontario's largest pot crop of the summer. Nearly 5,000 plants
were found growing in a former bog situated on a large parcel of Crown land
north of Orillia.

The crop is said to have an estimated value of more than $5 million - a
considerable take given the poor growing conditions that have plagued
farmers this summer.

Barnum said that a province-wide drought has left most pot growers
harvesting anemic, unhealthy plants. Whomever was responsible for the local
operation was able to cultivate a bumper crop by planting in a large,
drained swamp which provided ample nourishment. "They were going to be some
super plants," he added.

For the first time, the OPP last year began leasing a helicopter dedicated
to air-borne drug sweeps, allowing its two permanent helicopters to focus
on search and rescue services.

The helicopter's cost is covered through a provincial proceeds-of-crime
fund. Police last year reported $87.8 million in marijuana seizures over
the course of a three-month pot eradication program.

The largest hauls were taken in central and eastern Ontario, accounting for
68 per cent of the provincial total. Both regions saw close to 30,000
plants seized. "Nobody really speaks up too much about the bad things,"
added Barnum.

Aside from reviewing the effectiveness of current policies, the senate
committee will study "harm reduction" models adopted by other countries.

The committee also intends to "explore the effects of cannabis on health
and examine whether alternative policy on cannabis would lead to increased
harm in the short and long term."