POT-HEADS PROTEST TIP PITCH

CrimeStoppers urges calls on grow setups

By GREG Di CRESCE -- Police Reporter

Pot-heads have two words for Winnipeg CrimeStoppers -- butt
out.

CrimeStoppers has been "relentlessly picking on cannabis choosers,"
says Winnipegger Chris Buors, who is organizing a May 6 rally on the
Legislature grounds to restore "our natural right to drugs and justice."

Buors said a recurring CrimeStoppers advertisement has been appearing
in a local newspaper asking people to "rat on their neighbours for
operating a hydroponic grow operation."

CrimeStoppers, initiated by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 1984,
gives the police crime tips and the caller an anonymous way to provide
information.

"You can bet some of the members of the chamber are users," said
Buors, a Libertarian party member.

"And the only way we can get their attention is by banning their
businesses. After all, who wants to do business with someone who wants
to make a criminal out of you?"

Dave Angus, president of Winnipeg's Chamber of Commerce, said the last
time he looked it was illegal to smoke marijuana.

"CrimeStoppers is all about enforcement and I don't see that
changing," he said.

Angus said he isn't about to let crackpot groups and fringe
organizations dictate the policies of CrimeStoppers.

"However, we are certainly interested in hearing any groups that have
legitimate beefs," he said.

"Besides, I think in this instance the slam is misplaced. The debate
about marijuana is one that should be taking place at the legislative
level and not with CrimeStoppers."

Winnipeg police Sgt. John Eyer, who co-ordinates the community
program, agrees.

"As long as the law is in the books we are going to enforce it," Eyer
said.

Eyer did note that CrimeStoppers pot-busting campaigns have been
successful, especially in uprooting grow operations.

"Last time we had a major campaign the tips were stacked up like
cordwood. I have no doubt it is that kind of success that is at the
root of these comments against CrimeStoppers," he said.

This year, calls to CrimeStoppers have helped police seize $34,305 in
drugs; since 1984 has taken more than $16 million worth of narcotics
off the street.