WHAT IS A MARIHUANA HOME GROW OPERATION?

Marihuana grow operations appear in homes or outbuildings in both
residential, rural or commercial/industrial areas. Often larger homes
or buildings are selected, as they will support a larger growing
capacity. From the outside, they often appear normal, however, the
interiors may have received significant structural, electrical and
heating system modifications not in accordance with applicable
building, natural gas and electrical codes.

Examples of these modifications may include: an overloaded existing
electrical system or a bypass circuit to avoid paying for the
electricity required to power the high intensity light bulbs and fans;
disconnected furnace venting; or holes in floors and walls for
increased airflow.

These changes are made to replicate warm, humid climates in which
hybrid plants flourish to produce high potency marihuana. Former
marihuana grow operations may be unsafe for human occupancy due to
their compromised structural and mechanical integrity, as well as
hazards from mould and chemical residue.

Anyone intending to purchase or rent a property should have a careful
inspection conducted to ensure it was not previously used as a
marihuana grow operation.

Marihuana grow operations are a criminal enterprise and very often
have links to organized crime. They are often the targets of home
invasion style robberies where the marihuana is the objective of the
robbery. It is not uncommon to find weapons or booby-traps inside
these grow operations for protection from rival criminal elements.
For these and various other reasons, marihuana grow operations
represent public safety concerns to the neighbourhoods or communities
in which they exist, not only for future owners or occupants of the
premises, but also for other residents in these areas.

Police encourages members of their communities to take notice of
unusual activities or the tell-tale signs of a marihuana grow
operation and to contact police directly or call CRIMESTOPPERS.

What are the Indicators of a marihuana grow operation?

There are a number of indicators which may assist you in identifying a
potential marihuana grow operation in your neighbourhood; these include:

. Rarely does anyone appear to be at home.

. Visitors come and go at odd hours, entering or leaving the home
quickly, often through the garage, and only for brief periods of time.

. They avoid contact with neighbours.

. Windows are kept closed and covered to conceal activities
inside.

. Condensation may be present on window panes.

. Equipment used in the grow operation, such as large fans, lights,
plastic plant containers or bags of potting soil are carried into the
home.

. Sounds of construction or electrical humming from equipment may be
heard.

. If the home is serviced with an underground hydro service, evidence
of digging in the soil around the hydro meter may be an indication of
an electrical by-pass.

. There may be localized surges and decreases in power.

. Strange odours are coming from the house... marihuana plants produce
a unique skunk-like odour that you may occasionally smell, usually at
dusk and dawn.

. Exterior appearance of the property is untidy. There is little
outside maintenance done (unshovelled snow, uncut grass, etc.), and
garbage bags containing used soil and plant material may be discarded
in areas surrounding the house or loaded into a vehicle for disposal.
Mail delivered to the house may not be collected regularly resulting
in an overflowing mailbox.

. Warning signs are posted in windows or around the outside of the
building which may warn people to "Beware of Dog" or that "Guard Dogs"
are on the property.

What are the dangers?

marihuana grow operations pose a number of potential risks and dangers
to the neighbourhoods in which they exist, including: Poisonous fumes,
fires, electrocution, violence, increased crime, booby traps, higher
utility costs, structural damage, environmental damage, and hazards to
children.

During investigations, police have found children or evidence of
children having been present, in marihuana grow operations. There are
significant long-term health risks for children who live in or visit
grow operations. Additionally, marihuana supplied to children is
viewed by some as a gateway drug to harder drugs such as
methamphetamines and cocaine.

- - Article courtesy of Kelowna RCMP