RCMP TAKES LEAD IN FIGHT AGAINST GROW-OPS

One of the first major media announcements to come out of the new RCMP
headquarters addresses one of the biggest crime problems that
Grenville County has been struggling with over the past few years.

The RCMP called a press conference at their headquarters at Prince of
Wales and Merivale and announced a national strategy to combat
marijuana grow-ops.

The grow-op problem has been an ugly one that has crept into Eastern
Ontario over the past decade. It has been a problem that has grown
exponentially. Although Prescott has not been hit as hard as some
other communities closer to Ottawa, the problem has certainly hit the
rural areas outside of Prescott.

The national strategy launched by the RCMP is called the Marijuana
Grow Initiative (MGI).

"Marijuana grow operations pose a serious threat to Canadians, the
safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers fighting
against these illegal operations," said Shelly Glover, Member of
Parliament for St. Boniface on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews,
Minister of Public Safety. "The Government of Canada is taking action
to combat illicit marijuana cultivation in Canada, as well the
organized crime elements behind it."

Complimentary to the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the MGI was
developed in collaboration with subject matter experts from across the
country and represents the RCMP's renewed commitment to fight
marijuana production controlled by organized crime groups. Based on
three key components: Awareness, Deterrence and Enforcement; the MGI
outlines how the RCMP will work with partners and community members.
It helps inform the Canadian public about the consequences, inherent
hazards and destructive impacts these activities and criminal groups
have on their communities.

"(Marijuana Grow Operations) harm communities. Wherever they exist,
there's the potential for an increase in criminal activity and a
greater chance of fire, explosions, and violence," stated RCMP
A/Commr. Mike Cabana. "This initiative is part of the RCMP's renewed
commitment and priority to combat marijuana production controlled by
organized crime groups."

The RCMP is also launching a new page on the public website that will
act as a centralized database of residences where a MGO or clandestine
lab was dismantled by the RCMP under the authority of a search
warrant. This site will be consistently updated with new properties
and it will also provide guidance and feature resources for landlords
and buyers alike concerning the damages MGOs and clandestine labs have
on a property and its occupants.

If you have information about a marijuana grow op in your neighborhood
or your area, you can anonymously supply information by calling Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).