GROW BUSTERS GET CASH

Despite a $700,000 budget, the 14-month-old Grow Busters program run by
Vancouver police hasn't stopped a huge growth in marijuana grow-ops in the
city.

Insp. Val Harrison said estimates range from 4,000 to 15,000 grow-ops
operating in the city, many providing the lucrative U.S. export market.

"I would say it's going up dramatically," said Harrison, who urged
Vancouver city council yesterday to fine landlords $1,000 whenever a
grow-op is found on their rental property.

"It's very profitable, and more and more people are doing it."

Harrison and fire officials asked council to extend the program, which has
shut down 607 grow-ops, even though just 17 per cent of those busts
resulted in charges.

Harrison couldn't say how many charges led to convictions, prompting a
bemused Coun. George Puil to ask: "You have no idea how many people you
have caught? Isn't that very pertinent?"

Harrison said later police aren't too concerned about the conviction rate,
since the average fine is just $3,000. "The point of the program is the
safety of the citizens. The people who are charged are the little guys -
the courts don't throw the book at them."

Council decided against the landlord fine but agreed to extend the program
for another year.