POLICE SEE SPIKE IN GROW-OP BUSTS

Largest Of The Recently Dismantled Marijuana Growing Operations
Contained More Than 1,200 Plants

Delta police have dismantled several large-scale marijuana grow-ops in
the past few months, netting thousands of pot plants, equipment and
weapons. As well, a number of individuals have been arrested and are
facing charges.

In late 2008 and early '09, officers dismantled three large operations
in Ladner alone. More recently, between March and May, officers in
Delta's drug section dismantled seven grow-ops in North Delta.

The largest one, which was discovered at a house in the 11800-block of
86A Avenue, saw officers seize 1,243 marijuana plants. In that case,
one man was arrested.

In another home, in the 8500-block of 112th Street, the suspects built
a false wall in an attempt to evade detection.

"Although only 180 plants were seized, this grow-op demonstrated the
lengths these individuals will go to," said Delta police spokesperson
Const. Sharlene Brooks.

Brooks said there is no one specific factor in the recent spike in the
number of grow-ops officers have dismantled.

"We are receiving information and we are acting on the information
that's provided," she said.

When officers receive a tip from a member of the public about
suspicious activity at a particular home or a suspected grow-op, it
may take several weeks or months for investigators to gather enough
evidence to secure and execute a search warrant and have enough
evidence to successfully bring charges against the individuals involved.

"Please keep in mind that the Delta police philosophy is not to simply
dismantle the marijuana grow-op but instead to conduct a thorough
investigation in order to make arrests and secure charges against
those who are involved in this criminal activity," Brooks said. "The
investigations do take time but in over 90 per cent of these cases
individuals are arrested and charged."

Brooks said the recent spike in the number of grow ops being busted
could just mean that a number of the investigations have culminated
around the same time.

Police say there are a number of common indicators associated with a
grow-op, including:

- - Discarded equipment -- sometimes growers leave equipment, such as
nutrient containers, pots, wiring, soil, root balls, aluminum shrouds
and PVC piping, around the yard.

- - Unusual visitor behaviour -- inconsistencies in the visitors coming
to and from the residence.

- - Covered windows -- covered with black plastic, heavy curtains
pressed against the windows or blinds that are tightly shut and
pressed against the windows.

- - Condensation on windows due to humidity.

- - Localized power surges.

- - Smells and odours -- a skunk-like odour mixed with a sweet,
vegetative smell, or the unique smell of rotting cabbage.

Delta police urge anyone who suspects a marijuana grow-op in their
neighbourhood to report it to police by calling 604-946-4411.