POLICE ROLL OUT CAMPAIGN AGAINST CITY POT GROWERS

Signs Of A Grow House - Covered windows - Loud exhaust or humidifier fans -
skunky smell - Heavy deodorants or air fresheners to mask smell - Warm
buildings - in winter, snow may melt off rood or in summer, windows might
have condensation on them - Noise of a diesel/gas/propane generator -
Humming sounds from lights and electrical transformers - If you see
something suspicious, call police at 266-1234 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477

If your neighbour is growing more than bluebells and cockleshells, police
want to know.

Starting next week, Calgary police will distribute a pamphlet with
information on how to spot a marijuana growing operation. It will be
available at schools and through Block Watch programs and community
associations.

"One of the best ways to stop these growing operations is to get the message
out to the public," said Det. Pat Tetley of the police drug squad.

"If people are more informed, they'll know what to look for when a marijuana
grow is in their neighbourhood."

Each year, city police investigate about 400 grow houses, he said. In most
cases, police are responding to tips from neighbours or police informants.

Police seized 5,000 plants in 1998. They estimated at least 25,000 plants
are grown in Calgary each year - that's enough to make five million joints.

"the more educated the public is, the better chance we have of stopping this
kind of activity," said Michelle Harries, a spokeswoman with Calgary Crime
Stoppers. Most of the anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers deal with drug
trafficking.

"There are no geographical boundaries. We've found them in every area of the
city," Tetley said.

About 70 per cent of the marijuana crop is consumed here. The rest is
exported to other areas in Canada, the United States and Europe. Often, it's
traded for other drugs like cocaine and heroin, Tetley said.

Western Canadian growers have developed an international reputation for high
quality buds by entering contests put on by drug magazines like Cannabis
Canada. Local entries have also done will at Amsterdam's Cannabis Cup.

"It's the same as at any farmer's market," Tetley said. "you enter your
product, it's sampled by these connoisseurs and it's graded and judged."