FEW GROW OPS FOUND HERE

Cochrane RCMP haven't busted a residential grow-op in town for a few
years, but aren't naive to believe that it isn't happening in the
area, Sgt. Audrey Robinson said.

"They undoubtedly are going on, we're just not aware of them," she
said. "They're lucrative enough that we'd be probably very naive to
think there aren't some in Cochrane."

Robinson gave some tips on some behaviours that may be indicative of
a grow-op or drug house: "Lots of traffic (cars or people) coming to
a house, people at the house appears to have people show up for a
short time and then they're gone . people who seem to not leave for
work at the same time, people coming at odd times of the night, you
don't see different lights coming on in the house or the yards are unkempt."

Area residents may notice a strong, skunky odor coming from a grow-op
house, she said.

While those may be telltale signs of suspicious activity, it may not
necessarily mean something illegal is transpiring.

"It could be totally misconstrued. It could be innocent actions that
have perhaps been taken out of context," Robinson said.

Numerous investigative avenues have to be followed and facts
corroborated after a complaint is filed Robinson said, citing some
complaints could be malicious in nature.

The Cochrane RCMP can be reached at 403-932-2213. Those reporting
found plants that wish to remain anonymous and possibly qualify for a
cash reward can contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.