POT OPS NIPPED IN THE BUD

Thirty-four people face criminal charges after a police task force shut
down 20 indoor marijuana grow operations during a month-long investigation.

An eight-member RCMP Green Team seized 3,067 pot plants, $15,000 cash, a
vehicle and a "large quantity of growing equipment," including 187
high-intensity light bulbs between Feb. 19 and March 16.

"It's my belief they were all commercial operations and I believe some of
the product was going to other areas...and some of the product was for
local sale," said Cpl. Mike Wilton, who led the investigation. Some of the
operations are believedto be linked.

Three members of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, including Wilton, were
joined by members of the Lake Cowichan and Shawnigan Lake detachments,
South Island Highway Patrol, the RCMP West Coast Marine Detachment and
B.C.'s Organized Crime Agency.

"It went right from the top of the Malahat all the way out to the Mesachie
(Lake) and Honeymoon (Bay) area," Wilton said.

The corporal wouldn't reveal the dope's monetary worth but doesn't think
the seizures will have a major impact on the local pot industry.

"We don't give a value any more, but I can say an average indoor plant
could produce between 200 and 250 marijuana cigarettes and a plant can be
produced every three to four months."It is a huge problem in our area. If
anybody knows of any indoor grow operations or suspects any grow operations
we would like to be contacted," he said. "There still are more grows out
there that we are looking at."

Police have recommended Crown counsel charge 23 adult males and 11 adult
females with production of a controlled substance and possession of a
controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, in connection with the
recent busts.

The investigations are ongoing and suspects should make court appearances
during the next two months.

The Green Team has now disbanded, but the corporal warns more seizures and
arrests could be made.

"The initial mandate was for a four-week period. The intentions are that,
down the road, we will be doing another Green Team program," Wilton said.

B.C. bud is renowned for being some of the best in the world and large
quantities are often exported in exchange for harder drugs.

Figures released by the RCMP claim 43 per cent of people who smoke pot
before age 18 eventually go on to use cocaine.

Indoor grow operations can be easy to spot because they are often
unoccupied, but have people arriving regularly to tend crops. Windows are
sometimes covered or have condensation on them, and lights may be turned on
and off regularly to make it look like people are home.

Other indicators include the humming of fans or exhaust systems, a
vegetative odour coming from the house or a hydro meter that spins quickly
even though no lights appear to be on.