MORE THAN 62,000 POT PLANTS SEIZED

Surrey RCMP Say Tips From Public Helped

Metro Vancouver Surrey RCMP's drug unit has seized more than 62,000 pot
plants this year -- enough weed to supply a heavy smoker for 2.6-million years.

Const. Glenn Leeson, of the detachment's proceeds of crime unit, credits
tips from the public for the majority of the busts, details of which were
released yesterday in the RCMP's year-to-date report.

In 120 searches, conducted as a result of calls to Crime Stoppers and the
marijuana enforcement team's tip line, officers seized more than $160,000.
The average grow-op resulted in 517 pot plants seized, and police laid
charges in roughly half of the cases.

Leeson says the figures reflect only the busts by the marijuana enforcement
team and not those uncovered by officers on patrol.

In addition to the busts, Surrey detachment's proceeds of crime unit has
used provisions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to seize
three residential grow houses.

Despite being busy -- averaging three to four busts a week -- Leeson says
it is tough to gauge what impact their efforts are having on the streets.

Surrey Mounties say the majority of grow-ops are setup in residential
neighbourhoods, where they pose a number of threats to public safety,
including fires, electrical hazards, environmental and health concerns.

They also act as a magnet for home invasions.