DISTRICT TO MAKE PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS OF
MARIJUANA RAIDS

MAPLE RIDGE - A new bylaw making its way through city hall will pass
the costs of busting and dismantling a marijuana growing operation,
and making the home safely livable once again back to the property
owner.

"Basically, all those costs would be added up and it would be the
responsibility of the property owner to take care of those costs,"
said Brock McDonald, director of business licensing, permits and
bylaws for the district.

According to a district report, the cost of raiding one growing
operation can run as high as $5,000 for police services alone. Last
year, police raided around 25 operations, said Cpl. Rhonda Stoner of
Ridge Meadows RCMP.

If there's risk of a fire or chemicals are found, the fire department
would be called. One truck costs $300 an hour.