RCMP APPRECIATE TIPS FROM PUBLIC ON MARIJUANA GROW-OPS

SUSSEX - Calls from people stumbling across marijuana grow operations
is ramping up, police say.

Sgt. Bruce Reid of the Sussex RCMP said the weather this summer has
been particularly conducive to outdoor growing operations, and the
success of the season for illegal horticulturalists is becoming more
evident with the high number of people letting police know about their
discoveries while out and about.

"District 3 RCMP has begun to receive reports of marijuana finds from
citizens enjoying the nice weather and who have been out hiking in
local areas and riding their ATV on the many trails," he said.

And he is hoping more people will not turn a blind eye if they make a
similar discovery.

The sergeant explained the distinctive-looking plants are most
commonly found in fields, often close to a tree line and in areas
where there has been some overgrowth.

Usually the area has already had the trees on the lot
harvested.

Another area the operations thrive is near rivers and streams, he
added, and along typical flood plains.

During this time of year the marijuana plants are typically three to
five feet in height, Reid said, and can be found in buckets or in
cleared areas planted in soil.

"Marijuana has a unique smell of rotting cabbage or skunk-like odour
mixed with a sweet vegetable smell," Reid said, adding people who have
outdoor marijuana growing operations have been known to set traps to
deter animals and unwanted people from entering the area.

Police ask if anyone discovers a marijuana growing site, do not
approach it and report it to the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.