PRIVATE PILOTS ASKED TO HELP SPOT MARIJUANA PATCHES

Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg is asking pilots
to be an "eye in the sky" as the crime fighting program looks to help
combat illegal drug crops.

Launched provincially in the 1990s, Operation Pot Spot, appeals to
aviation enthusiasts and encourages them to be observant for
suspicious activity, such as illegal marijuana crops, while flying
over rural areas.

"When pilots see something that they feel is suspicious, they are
encouraged to record the location through a global positioning system
and then contact Crime Stoppers anonymously," said Crime Stoppers
chairperson Gord Little in a press release.

Many illegal marijuana crops are planted outdoors. From the sky,
marijuana plants are bright green, sometimes appear in clusters, and
can even be grown among legitimate crops such as corn. Often the
surrounding area is trampled.

Signs of an illegal marijuana grow operation may also include vehicles
parked on the side of roads or trails, people frequenting remote areas
for no apparent reason, signs of gardening (fertilizer bags, planting
trays, etc.) in remote areas; and trampled or cleared areas in swamps,
woods or fields.

Crime Stoppers cautions individuals to never enter a suspected
marijuana patch. Doing so may be dangerous. Individuals should contact
Crime Stoppers anonymously or call their local police service.

To share information about illegal drug activity, or any crime,
contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online
helpsolvecrime.com .