MARIJUANA GROW-OPS A COMMUNITY PROBLEM

This is the fourth in a series of columns on drug awareness being
published as a run-up to Ladysmith's Drug Education Night May 18.

Questions and answers on marijuana grow-ops:

Why should I be concerned?

Many houses used for marijuana grow operations are extremely dangerous
as large amounts of electricity, fertilizer and water are used in the
grow process.

In an effort to hide a grower's intentions, electrical re-wiring is
most often performed by an untrained or unlicensed electrician. In
many cases the wiring is diverted around the original house meter
creating a dangerous situation.

Other reasons for concern include:

* High risk of house or electrical fires * Increased criminal activity
in neighbourhood * Possibility of mistaken address - grow rips *
Carbon monoxide poisoning

Where do I find a grow operation?

Every community is at risk. Any neighbourhood. Any block. Any house
(including the expensive/high end residences). What should I look for?

Supplies/Garbage - Halogen lights, fertilizer, pots, soil and other
items often left in the garbage or in dumpsters near the home.

Covered windows - Windows are covered or painted black to keep natural
light from disturbing the growing process or the lights or to keep
neighbour from peering inside.

Condensation - Intense heat or high humidity may be visible in some
areas or on the windows

Bright lights - Lights maybe turned on for long periods of time or at
odd hours. There may also be an attempt to hide lights, or glare they
emit, from view by covering windows.

Yard - Signs ( "private," "beware of dog", etc) , fences, large shrubs
or trees and other objects are often used to detract attention from
the property.

Odour - The smell of marijuana is distinct, especially in a grow
operation. The grower will usually ventilate with fans that mask the
odor. Don't assume that because you live in a high-end or "nice"
neighbourhood that you are immune from having a grow-op show up in
your neighbourhood. There have been increases in the sale of high-end
homes in "nice" neighbourhoods that have been purchased solely for the
purpose of growing marijuana.

Here are some tips to keep your neighbourhood safe:

Get to know your neighbour - Start a Neighbourhood Watch committee,
everyone should look out for one another. If you suspect suspicious
activity in your neighbourhood report it to the police or to Crime
Stoppers.

It takes community involvement to effectively decrease the marijuana
grow operations in our area.

- - RCMP Const. Beth Blackburn is the drug awareness coordinator for
Central Vancouver Island.

Next week: Tips for landlords on preventing grow-ops from showing up
in their rental homes.