POT SEEDS BACK IN ILL MAN'S HANDS

Usually cops are trying to seize dope, not give it away.

But yesterday, Renfrew OPP took the unusual step of offering to return
marijuana seeds, pot literature and growing equipment confiscated
during a farmhouse drug raid almost two years ago.

Robert Brown, of Beachburg, who smokes weed to ease his chronic
symptoms of hepatitis C, was granted an exemption from Health Canada
in January that permits him to possess and grow marijuana. In May, the
federal justice department decided not to proceed with drug charges
laid against him in 1998.

'HOLLOW VICTORY'

"It's a victory, but as always, it's a hollow victory," said Brown,
who has been battling for the return of his items he believes to be
worth about $5,000.

Police will not return the bags of marijuana leaves, which they said
had a street value of $182,000 at the time of his arrest.

Brown said he's happy to have his goods back, but a little
disappointed there's no OPP delivery service.

"They took it from here. Why should I have to go pick it up?" he
asked.