GROW OPS FEED A WAR

For some on the West Coast, the marijuana industry has enjoyed a peaceful,
harmless reputation, not dangerous and brutal like that of other illegal drugs.

What people don't always reflect on is its intimate connection with the
violence of organized crime.

"I can't believe people think grow ops are harmless," says Richmond RCMP
Const. Reg Sahay. "There's so much stuff that stems from growing marijuana."

He estimates that 60 to 70 per cent of B.C. bud is produced by organized
crime. Not only police officers, but also members of the general public are
at risk due to spin-off crime and unsafe grow premises.

One recent trend is "grow rips" where criminals target and rob an existing
grow operation. Dangerous in itself, what is also terrifying is when
innocent family homes are accidentally attacked.

"These (criminals) aren't playing around," Sahay warns. "They've got guns,
machetes, pepper spray and they've used them on innocent victims."

Frighteningly, these crimes are becoming more and more common.

Other dangers of grow operations include unsafe conditions. In his
experience with Richmond's marijuana unit, Sahay has seen the extraordinary
ways that criminals attempt to guard their businesses. Some grows are
guarded by vicious animals such as mistreated dogs and even wild boars and
snakes. Occasionally, these animals get loose and attack innocent neighbours.

Then there are intricate booby traps designed to protect crops from
intruders. Guns and other weapons are connected to doors. Doorknobs are
electrified and fishhooks are set to snag people in the eye.

Const. Sahay remembers entering a home with a spring-loaded 2-by-4 laden
with spikes on it aimed at the door. "Lucky for us that the spring didn't
go off in time because the spikes would have gotten (an RCMP) member."

Then there are electrical and fire risks. Because of hydro tampering and
high voltage grow lamps, grow operations are likely to spark electrical
fires. This is particularly dangerous in townhouses and apartments.

How does Richmond combat grow operations? "Manpower is an issue," admits
Const. Sahay. "In combination with just plugging away at it and educating
the public, we're trying to rid the area of grow ops but there's a lot out
there."

He recommends that the public, especially building managers and landlords,
stay informed and call 604-278-1212 if they suspect a grow.

Marijuana may be a peaceful drug for some, but when they purchase the
product on the illegal market, they're feeding a war.