RICHMOND STAFF URGE ELECTRICAL SAFETY TEAM AS WAY TO COMBAT
MARIJUANA GROWING OPERATIONS

The city of Richmond aims to stamp out criminal drug operators with an
electrical safety bylaw.

"This will give another weapon to the RCMP. Give us a little more
teeth to bite these guys with," says Coun. Derek Dang.

An electrical fire safety inspection project has proven remarkably
effective in Surrey, according to a staff report that recommended the
committee initiate a pilot project in Richmond.

The initiative is an alternative, administrative approach intended to
complement, not replace, the criminal system, according to Surrey fire
chief Len Garis.

"While EFSI programs are by no means a complete solution, they quickly
and efficiently mitigate some of the safety concerns related to
residential grow operations, something the traditional approach has
failed to do," Garis wrote in a report about the project.

The committee voted in favour of a one-year pilot project that
involves establishing a team consisting of a fire chief, two RCMP
officers and an electrical inspector. The team would request
information from BC Hydro regarding residences where there is
unusually high electrical consumption.

Staff recommended the program provide a report after six and 12
months. Council must still approve the project.