MARIJUANA-GROW OPERATION ACTION WELCOME, TROUBLING

News that yet another marijuana-growing operation has been shut down
in Niagara Falls is welcome and troubling.

In their latest raid, Niagara Regional Police officers confiscated
175 marijuana plants worth an estimated $175,000 in addition to
$10,000 in growing equipment and some prohibited weapons.

This follows a $1 million seizure from a Highland Avenue home and a
$149,000 collected in a Merritt Avenue raid last week.

Welcome is the news that three of the grow operations have been shut
down and at least a small portion of the marijuana supply won't make
it to the streets.

Troubling is the fact this is clearly a serious problem of epidemic
proportions, not just in this city.

Last year a huge operation was shut down in Wainfleet when it was
discovered by authorities as a result of a fire. There was also a
massive operation busted in a former brewery in Barrie in the recent past.

It's clear that while many have been taken down, there's likely a
greater number still in operation, both in Niagara and across the country.

Aside from the obvious possessing marijuana and selling it is still
illegal these operations pose significant safety threats.

Electrical service boxes are routinely bypassed, creating hazards for
hydro workers who are inevitably called to the scene as well as
investigating police officers.

Many are in heavily populated residential areas. Other homes could be
affected should fire break out.

While police keep busy putting these places out of business, it's
also incumbent on the courts to impose sentences that will deter
others from doing the same.

It should be added to the growing list of priorities for the new
government in Ottawa to tackle.