ENMAX MAY HELP DETECT GROW OPS

Police are working with Enmax on methods to track power being
diverted to marijuana grow ops.

"We clearly know millions of dollars a year are stolen in theft of
power," said Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, a proponent of giving police
more tools to fight the illegal drug houses.

"We must do something about it.

"We're having a whole new strategy we're bringing into play." Drug
unit Staff Sgt. Monty Sparrow said the department is working with the
city's electricity provider to determine where power is being stolen
to fuel the hydroponic systems used to grow the plants.

"It does have to do with the ability to recognize that more power is
leaving Enmax than they're getting paid for," he said, adding the
company is currently testing the technology.

On Wednesday, the city's community and protective services committee
will receive a report that outlines a legal review of bylaws used in
other jurisdictions to curtail the number of grow ops. It states that
some of the rules used in British Columbia, for example, can't be
applied in Calgary because the city isn't allowed to regulate matters
covered by the provincial fire and building codes.

It recommends a review of the city's raid procedures, which involve
the police service, the health region and city safety code officers,
over the next year to "determine any material deficiencies in the
current process." Staff would report back by January 2008.

It also recommends talking to the province about amending the
Municipal Government Act so that the cost of grow-op raids could be
levied against a home's property taxes.

"We have a cautious law department," Colley-Urquhart said. "I think
the law department should be trying to push the envelope on these
issues. This is being very conservative." Tory MLA Harvey Cenaiko, a
former police officer, said he'll try to arrange a meeting with city
officials and the ministers of energy, justice and environment, as
well as the solicitor general. "Any plan that comes out looking at
any solutions regarding the investigative aids and/or penalties has
to be consistent throughout the province."