MARIJUANASWEEP NETS 34 CHARGES

In their second crackdown on marijuana growers in the city, Ottawa police
have seized plants and equipment worth more than $4 million and laid 34
charges.

"We are overwhelmed as to how many of these operations there are," said
Sgt. Marc Pinault of the Ottawa police drug unit.

"It's out of control."

Twelve locations were targeted in the blitz, dubbed "operation greensweep,"
between April 15 and April 30. Police seized 3,676 plants, which they
estimate to be worth $3,676,000. They also seized growing equipment valued
at $376,800 and $5,270 in cash.

Police said they discovered one "large marijuana growing operation" on
Britannia Road after they responded to a fire at the residence. According
to Sgt. Pinault, the fire was triggered by boiling discarded parts of
marijuana plants to make "weed oil."

One man was sent to hospital with burns on his hands and back.

Sgt. Pinault said marijuana operations are putting adults -- and children
- -- at risk. In the previous sweep, 37 children were found living in homes
where marijuana was growing, he said.

"They are living in a house with (illegal) electrical connections, the air
is hot and humid and full of pollen and mould," he explained. "And there
could easily be a fire."