MULTIFACETED RCMP STRATEGY AIMED AT STOPPING DRUG OPERATIONS

MISSION - The RCMP is set to implement a strategy to address marijuana and
other drug growing operations by March 1, a strategy that will allow
landlords to screen prospective tenants with a criminal record check.

B.C. has nearly three times the national average of growing operations per
capita, Mission RCMP Insp. Pat Walsh said, while theft of hydro is
estimated at more than $3 million a year in the province.

"There are criminals searching these [grow operations] out," Walsh said.
"They're coming in armed and prepared to get that product."

Walsh said the first thing police want to do is get the Canada Customs and
revenue Agency involved, to help take the profit out of an illegal business
venture such as a growing operation.

"In most cases, the people running a grow operation have not filed a tax
return in years," he said. "In many cases, they're driving a nice car and
own a nice house."

Walsh said RCMP members will stay tapped in to the National Financial
Tracking and Report Analysis Centre - an agency that tracks the movement of
money - with the intent of following organized crime through money movement
patterns.

In each case where a grow operation is discovered, Walsh said home owners
should be prepared to lose their house.

"We will try to restrain each property. When we come to seize your dope,
we'll seize your house," Walsh said.

Plus, grow homes that have been identified will be entered into a national
database that targets grow homes across the country, with possible links to
other grow operations and crimes.

BC Hydro and the Ministry of Children and Families will also play a role,
said Walsh, to identify and cut off illegal hydro and to ensure children
are in a safe environment.

Abbotsford Times