HELP HAMILTON POLICE NIP MARIJUANA PROBLEM IN THE BUD

Another marijuana grow operation has been found on an area farm. A
half dozen plants, roughly three feet tall, were recently reported to
police by a Jerseyville Road farmer.

Outdoor grow operations are an annual concern, so police are asking
farmers and residents to be on the lookout.

According to Constable Anna MacPherson of the Hamilton Police
Services Vice and Drug Unit, the marijuana is typically planted
between the rows of secluded corn fields, in the hope of harvesting
before the unsuspecting farmer notices. Often, the culprits will cut
down a circle of corn, planting marihuana in its place.

It's often planted in May, then left until September or October, when
the plants can be up to seven feet tall, with two-inch thick stalks.

There are advantages to outdoor grows, according to police. It
doesn't require costly equipment or stolen hydro. There's no smell to
alert the neighbours. The downside is the unpredictable weather. A
home grow-op can yield three crops per year. The outdoors is limited
to one, weather and farmers permitting.

Last year, only three grows were discovered, each thanks to the
farmers themselves reporting strange activities on their fields.

However, Hamilton police are looking forward to a much bigger bust
this year, thanks to a partnership with the OPP. Armed with the OPP
helicopter, both police forces will take to the skies for a Marijuana
Eradication Day later this summer.

According to Const. MacPherson, there are enough outdoor grow
operations across Hamilton's rural region to keep police busy every
day. They're easy to find - the distinctive plants are clearly
visible from the air, she said.

"They're even a different colour."

However, reaching the plants on the ground is a labour-intensive
process, requiring officers to wade through thick, secluded fields,
far from roads and paths.

Outdoor grows rarely lead to arrests, because the criminals don't
frequent the spot. Even when someone is seen walking through, they
may claim to just be out for a walk, or cutting the plants to take to police.

"There's no way to prove it," Const. MacPherson said.

To thwart the criminals, they confiscate the plants and file a
report, in the hopes that local residents will be on the lookout for
suspicious characters prowling in the area.

Residents should keep an eye out for the following on local fields:

* Unknown vehicles parked on the side of the road for short periods;

* Footpaths not normally present;

* Open areas (allowing maximum sunlight), surrounded by large trees
(to provide maximum cover);

* Chicken wire, bamboo and other items on the side of pathways and trails.

To report suspicious plants, equipment, vehicles or cuttings, call
905-546-3885. To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-TIPS.