POLICE ON THE HUNT FOR MARIJUANA GROW-OPS

SYDNEY -- It's harvest time in the Maritimes for some crops and the
RCMP are hoping a certain cash crop goes up in smoke.

RCMP and municipal police agencies across the province are teaming up
to nab marijuana growers and have already begun spotting some grow-ops
by employing air surveillance.

"Nova Scotia's landscape varies tremendously making it impossible to
cover every piece of land," said Sgt. Keith MacKinnon, of the RCMP
drugs and organized crime awareness service.

As a result, MacKinnon said police are also depending on public
assistance to pinpoint grow-ops.

"It's crucial for the RCMP to have the communities' support to make
Nova Scotia's communities safer. Community safety is everyone's
responsibility and outdoor marijuana grow-operations pose a danger to
public health and safety."

Police contend that marijuana grow-ops are often associated with
organized crime and that such sites are usually guarded by booby traps
like bear traps or even armed watchmen.

MacKinnon said at this time of year local residents like to get out
and enjoy nature -- hiking, camping, fishing and hunting -- and they
should keep a close eye out for marijuana grow-ops.

He said the plants are bright green and the leaves have seven jagged
fingers. The plants grow between three and six feet tall and give off
an odour akin to that of a skunk.

Grow-ops, said MacKinnon, will use a number of props to deflect
suspicion, including hiding marijuana plants between natural-growing
vegetation.

MacKinnon said other things to watch for that may indicate a grow-op
maybe close by include:

- - Abandoned vehicles parked on side roads or trails

- - People observed walking in remote areas for no apparent
reason

- - People trespassing onto fields on foot or by off-road
vehicles

- - Bags of fertilizer, planting trays, or chemicals located in remote
areas or dumped at the side of the road;

- - Well-trampled trails in wooded or swamp areas

- - Cleared out areas in swamps, wooded areas or cornfields

- - No trespassing or beware of dog signs within forests, cornfields,
etc.

MacKinnon said those who come across a grow-op should never approach
the actual planted area because it could be booby-trapped. Seized
crops are burned by police.

He said information concerning marijuana grow-ops should be filed with
any RCMP or municipal police agency.

Reports can also be received by Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477) or by a secure web tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to
Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest
and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award from
$50 - $2,000