BUSINESS GROW-OPS TACKLED

Looking at the TV news on Sunday and seeing pictures of a flaming grow-op,
if you guessed it was Richmond, you guessed right.

Like many cities in the Lower Mainland, Richmond has a grow-op problem. The
police and city have been taking some proactive steps, including a new bylaw
that comes into effect on July 1. That bylaw allows the city to collect all
costs associated with busting marijuana grow-ops and amphetamine production
labs from residential property owners who don't inspect their properties
once every three months. After Sunday's grow-op fire in a warehouse, the
city is already considering adding businesses to the bylaw.

Let's be clear here, this isn't about the war on drugs, it is about a war on
crime. Grow-ops aren't operated by peaceful, aging hippies just looking to
toke, man; grow-ops are business enterprises ruthlessly run by organized
crime. Potent B.C. bud is grown and often smuggled into the United States
for cocaine. The aftermath is often dangerous, with buildings becoming fire
hazards due to the pilfering of power. Some grow-ops even have booby traps
to deter thieves.

All of this makes grow-ops dangerous for emergency personnel not too mention
neighbours. As well, grow-ops put an immense strain on police and fire
resources. We welcome Richmond's swift response to further toughen its
grow-op bylaw.