MARIJUANA GROW-OP BUSTS ON THE RISE

Crime: Police Attribute Increase, at Least in Part, to Help From Public

BATHURST - RCMP are cracking down on New Brunswick marijuana grow
operations, and some of the biggest busts so far this year have been
in the northern part of the province.

In 2010, police have already investigated a half-dozen major indoor
grow operations and another 100 small-scale operations across the province.

The total so far constitutes a slight increase over the same time
period in 2009, says RCMP spokeswoman Const. Chantal Farrah.

But she says the rise in seizures doesn't necessarily mean marijuana
grow operations are becoming more of a problem.

"We react a lot with public information," Farrah said in an
interview.

"The increase doesn't mean the market is getting bigger, but it's
probably a reflection of the tips we're getting from the public."

Farrah says it's not clear whether there has been a disproportionately
high number of marijuana grow operations in northern New Brunswick,
but she acknowledges that several of the major busts this year have
been in the north.

In February, for instance, police raided a high-tech grow operation
near Plaster Rock, seizing 372 plants and two stolen industrial
electricity generators.

According to an RCMP release at the time, the entire house was set up
for marijuana production. The main floor had a room equipped for
cloning plants, and the plants themselves were set up in the basement.

The second floor of the home was set up to steal electricity directly
from power lines.

Evidence gathered by police suggests this operation was linked to
organized crime.

Police estimate the total value of this seizure to be more than
$500,000, without taking into account the stolen electricity.

Also in February, RCMP seized roughly 180 marijuana plants and five
unregistered firearms from a residence in Sillikers, near Miramichi.

If grown to maturity, the marijuana plants could have potentially
produced more than 75,000 joints.

In general, Farrah says indoor marijuana grow operations can be
hazardous to homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

Depending on the scale of the operation, she says dangers can range
from a fire or toxic chemical exposure, to a battle between competing
traffickers.

As well, many of these seizures also involve other illegal drugs,
contraband tobacco and illegal firearms, she said.

"You can say that illegal drug operations have the potential to bring
violence to our communities," she said.

The RCMP is urging anyone who notices signs of illegal marijuana
production to report it to local police or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS.