GROW-OP BUSTS STEADY DESPITE MORE PRESS COVERAGE: POLICE

MONTREAL -- Since the shooting deaths of four Mounties outside
an Alberta grow-op early last month, police takedowns of
marijuana-producing facilities have been receiving more media
coverage. But authorities and pot advocates alike agree there has been
no increase in busts of grow-ops.

Wayne Oakes, spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of
Alberta, said the increased media attention is due to the fact
grow-ops now play a larger role in public consciousness.

"Any time a tragic incident happens, it will heighten awareness," he
said.

While Oakes said more people are paying attention, he denied the
police have cracked down on grow-ops. He said the rigorous process
necessary to obtain a search warrant ensures police are not doing
things any differently because of the shootings.

"It usually starts off with a very subtle belief, but we cannot act on
mere suspicion. We need enough credibility for a search warrant to be
justified," he said.

In Montreal, Dominique Lacasse, who is in charge of drug offences for
Saint-Henri and Pointe-Saint-Charles, agreed there has been no
significant increase.

"I see busts every week, but there's been no change," he
said.

Sonja Kleiman, chief hemp officer for the federal Marijuana Party,
said police rarely search out grow-ops. She maintained chance, rather
than investigation, usually leads to the discovery of the operations.

"Nine times out of ten, it's some random factor," she said, citing
examples such as fires in the buildings or operators bragging to
friends about their crop, allowing the police to catch wind.

Corporal Pat Gelina, a national RCMP spokesperson, pointed out the
difficult position police face when they find out about grow-ops.

"We know we may get hurt. There are often booby traps, but it's our
job," he said.

Kleiman said there would be less crime attached to the marijuana
industry if small-scale grow-ops were legalized. She maintained this
would encourage people to grow for themselves, thereby eliminating
larger operations. She also said higher standards of quality and
safety could be enforced.

"If it were legalised, it could be regulated just like basil
production. As it is, all that matters to growers is the finishing
weight," Kleiman said.

But Oakes argued legalisation would do nothing to curb what he called
the ill effects of marijuana. He said the legality of alcohol and
tobacco has not reduced the threatening aspects of those substances.

"History has not proven that aspect thus far," Oakes said.