EASTERN ONTARIO GOING TO POT

Ontario Pot Growers Are Heading East.

Results from the OPP's 1999 marijuana eradication program show that
the eastern region of the province --accounting for more than half of
the plants seized in the province --is the locale of choice for pot
producers.

More than 58,000 plants with a street value of about $69 million were
seized in the region, which stretches from Havelock (near
Peterborough) to the Quebec border.

Det. Insp. Jim Hutchinson, manager of the drug enforcement section,
said southwestern Ontario had been the most fruitful in past years but
enforcement seems to have driven them out.

"They're trying to hide their crops better," Hutchinson said,
referring to marijuana producers. "Many of the plants we found were in
marshes, bush areas and along riverbeds. And the eastern terrain is
good for that.

"The long, warm summer was also well suited to crop production," the
veteran drug officer added.

One of the largest seizures -- 4,819 plants found in North Glengarry
Twp. in September --was found by accident.

"The helicopter was going for gas," Hutchinson explained.

A 34-year-old Quebec man was charged with production of a controlled
substance.

Helicopter searches were responsible for the seizure of 41,770 plants
in the region while tips to OPP and municipal forces led police to
16,922 more plants. In Eastern Ontario, 70 people are facing 132
charges, including 14 weapons-related charges.

Across the province, police seized a total of 110,385 plants with a
street value of $120.7 million, almost three times the street value of
last year's take.