POT POPULAR CASH CROP

Officer Says Planting Part Of Organized Crime

RIDGETOWN - Rural landowners have an obligation to make certain their
property isn't being used for criminal purposes.

"Farmers and others who lease land in rural areas should carefully
check out the background of those leasing the property," OPP Det.
Sgt. Brett Mailloux said Friday.

The unit commander of the OPP's drug enforcement section in Windsor
said "we want our agricultural partners to make themselves more aware
of the potential problems that can arise so they can safeguard
themselves."

Mailloux spoke to a large number of farmers attending the second and
final day of the 14th annual Southwest Agricultural Conference in
Ridgetown on Thursday.

In a telephone interview Friday, Mailloux said it's important that
farmers know who they are renting their land to and what type of crops
will be produced.

Mailloux said there is an alarming increase in weapons violence
associated with the illegal outdoor production of marijuana.

"Today's illegal growers are using a lot of sophisticated and
dangerous equipment to protect their illegal crops," he said.

Mailloux said the booby-traps and other devices used by illegal
growers present a serious health threat to the unsuspecting public.

"We know of cases where armed guards have been used to protect
marijuana crops growing in fields," he said.

Mailloux said the days of someone growing a few plants in the middle
of a corn field are long gone.

"It's serious organized crime today," he said. "It's not a bunch of
guys out trying to make a few dollars on the side."

Mailloux said there has also been a dramatic increase in the
manufacture of crystal meth.

He said the production process can result in explosions and the
creation of toxic gases.

"There are six to 10 pounds of toxic waste from every pound of crystal
meth," he said.

Mailloux said there is concern that the toxic waste finds its way into
rivers and streams and farmland.

Thamesville-area farmer Dennis Jack said individuals who grow
marijuana in fields owned by unsuspecting farmers are a real problem.

"They take advantage of our real estate to grow a cash crop," said
Jack, past-president of the Ontario Corn Producers' Association. "Many
get caught, but others get away with it."

Jack said he doubts many farmers would rent land to a non-established
individual. Jack said he's found some marijuana plants growing in his
fields over the years and always reports it right away.