COPS POST GROW-OPS

Drug Lab And Grow-Op Registry Goes Online Feb. 1

New homeowners in Ottawa will know if their dream house is a former
marijuana grow operation or crystal meth lab as of Feb. 1.

On that date Ottawa police will start posting addresses of busted
drug operations on their website, following the lead of other Ontario
municipalities that provide similar information to residents.

Police Chief Vernon White said he was shocked Ottawa didn't already
have a published registry when he joined the force last year.

White said police have an obligation to protect the public from
potential problems left behind by drug houses.

The information will be posted on the police website at www.ottawapolice.ca.

The plan has been in the works for a couple years, but it wasn't
until last year that the Ottawa Real Estate Board, Crime Prevention
Ottawa, police and the city all jumped on board with the project.

HEALTH HAZARD

Rick Snell, chairman of the real estate board's government relations
committee, said the registry will give customers important historical
information they need before making a decision to buy a home.

One of the biggest concerns regarding such homes is the potential for
hazardous air quality in houses formerly used as drug labs.

"The mould is the biggest issue," Snell said, adding rigged hydro
lines and structural modifications also create dangerous living conditions.

In the case of meth labs, criminals have been known to drill holes
into the basement floor to store toxic chemicals.

Police will publish the date of the bust, address, drugs seized and
charges laid. The information will remain on the website for three
months after an investigation ends.

White said police have yet to decide if they will only post addresses
of former drug houses busted after Feb. 1, or if they will also
include previous busts, too.