LAW GET TOUGH ON 'GROW OPS'

(CNW) Legislation that gives new tools to police, utilities and
municipalities to protect Ontario communities from the dangers of
marijuana grow operations is now in full effect.

Some provisions of the Law Enforcement and Forfeited Property
Management Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005, came into effect in
December. All remaining provisions came into effect Aug. 1.

The new measures include allowing local hydro distribution companies
to disconnect electrical supply without notice for emergency, safety
or system reliability concerns; providing for the inspections of
buildings that contained marijuana grow operations by local
municipalities on notification by police; and using the proceeds of
seized assets from grow ops for enforcement, crime prevention, victim
compensation and the administration of criminal justice.

The legislation followed extensive consultations with police,
municipalities, fire prevention officials, electrical utilities and
representatives from the banking, insurance and real estate sectors.