SURREY RCMP WINNING BATTLE WITH GROW-OPS

Jail, Property Seizures Follow Police Success In 'Popping Two To Four'
Pot Growers A Week

Surrey RCMP say they're finally getting the upper hand on people who
grow marijuana for profit.

Cpl. Roger Morrow on Thursday said a court-ordered forfeiture last
week of a man's $615,000 home is a prime example of a big win in the
police fight to rid the city of illegal and often dangerous grow-ops.

"The ramifications are substantial," said Morrow of someone losing
their home because of a pot-growing operation.

"How do you explain the forfeiture when you go to get your next
financial loan?" he asked.

On Nov. 16, 2006, Surrey RCMP executed a search warrant at a house in
the 16000-block 85B Avenue. They found a sizeable grow-op in the basement.

Almost three years later, a judgment last Friday in B.C. provincial
court allowed for a full forfeiture of the residence, valued at $615,000.

Trong Hieu Vu of Surrey was convicted on charges of production of a
controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and
fraudulently consuming electricity or gas. He was handed a six-month
jail sentence and a year's probation.

Morrow said the smell of the growing pot was being ventilated through
the upstairs master bedroom.

And, while Morrow said "there are no accurate numbers on the grow-ops
in Surrey," he did note they feel the people involved in producing
marijuana are moving.

"We know we are pushing them out," he said. "We are popping two to
four grow-ops a week."

Since 2002, Surrey RCMP's Proceeds of Crime/Offence-Related Property
Team has assisted courts in issuing 21 criminal forfeitures.

Two full-time investigators are assigned to the team.

Morrow said the average value of the seized properties is
approximately $500,000, with the most expensive forfeiture being a
four-hectare farm worth between $3 million and $5 million.

"Basically, we are going after cars, tractors, boats -- anything we
can relate to a criminal enterprise," he said.

The properties that have been ordered forfeited become possessions of
the Canadian government and are resold at market value.

Parliament amended the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in 2002 to
allow for seizure. The law allows judges some discretion on sentencing
to ensure the punishment fits the crime.