PROLIFERATION OF HYDROPONIC SHOPS MIRRORS MARIJUANA BUSTS

If you're wondering what has fueled the recent explosion of hydroponic
shops in Richmond, get to the back of the line.

The general manager and owner of Home Greenhouse Supplies, at 11579
Bridgeport Rd., are both wondering the same thing.

In three months, two hydroponic shops-Garden Effects Hydroponics and
Pacific Rim Hydroponics-have popped up within a block of Home Greenhouse,
which first opened in Richmond 13 years ago. A third hydroponics store,
Just Say Grow, is currently under construction at No. 4 Road and Steveston
Highway.

"It's bloody rampant right now," Home Greenhouse's general manager told The
Review Tuesday morning. "I wasn't impressed when two stores opened up on
either side of us."

Home Greenhouse's owner, who asked that his name not be published, said he
can't imagine that there's enough of a legitimate market to support all the
stores.

When asked whether they screen their customers, Mark from Garden Effects
said: "It's none of our business." Mark's partner Tony, who greeted The
Review at the front desk, wouldn't comment either when asked why they
decided to open the store now.

John, from Pacific Rim at 12111 Bridgeport Rd., said he couldn't comment
either.

The opening of these stores comes at a curious time in Richmond.

Earlier this year, Richmond Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt declared war against
illegal marijuana grow operations that have seemingly boomed in the city
this year.

Local police uncovered about 70 marijuana operations last year, but have
already surpassed that number so far in 2000, putting the city on a pace to
eclipse the 200 mark by year's end.

"I guess it goes hand in hand," Home Greenhouse's owner said of the growth
in illegal marijuana operations and the appearance of these hydroponics
stores. "You have to draw your own conclusions."

In the last three years, the growth in the number of hydroponic shops
across the Lower Mainland has been "insane", he said.

So are the police concerned?

Apparently not, according to Richmond RCMP Sgt. Willy Laurie.

The police recognize the legitimacy of the sale of the equipment, which can
be used to grow various vegetable crops without the need for soil.

In fact, Garden Effects had a vegetable display under lights and an
umbrella at its store, while heating lamps were being used to dry what
appeared to be nuts at Pacific Rim.

Halsey-Brandt said the city is well aware of the existence of the new
hydroponic shops.

That issue was discussed with city staff and the local police earlier this
year, he said.

As long as the businesses have followed city regulations and obtained the
proper licences, there's nothing the city can do, he said.

But if a large quantities of equipment were purchased, that could be
something the police may be interested in knowing and investigating.

Home Greenhouse's general manager said that in the past, when customers
have approached staff indicating they want to grow marijuana, they've been
shown the door.

On their way out, one customer quipped to the manager: "Do you realize what
you've thrown away."