BUSTS DOUBLE IN 2004

293 POT OPERATIONS CLOSED SO FAR

TORONTO POLICE busted more than double the number of marijuana growing
operations during the first 11 months of this year than they did in
all of 2003, says a report to city council. As of Nov. 24, the cops
had uncovered 293 grow operations this year. Officers shut down 140
grow-ops last year, according to a report from city
bureaucrats.

"The numbers are dramatically increasing," said Councillor Michael
Thompson, who added other Canadian cities, including Mississauga and
Vaughan, are also struggling with the problem.

Yesterday city council adopted Thompson's call for a report from
police management on the personnel and money they'll need to fight the
growing problem.

Councillors also directed city officials to consult the province about
obtaining powers needed to address health and safety concerns that
arise when dwellings are used as grow-ops. The province is now
developing legislation to better deal with such operations.

Records of this year's busts in Toronto show that 116 of the
operations took root in highrise buildings, 151 sprouted in houses and
the 26 crops were uncovered in industrial and commercial buildings.

Investigators this year seized more than 104,000 pot plants with an
estimated street value of $104 million, according to the report.

Police now provide the city with a report on the condition of busted
grow houses. There can be problems with mould, changes to the
electrical system and even things like holes made in ceilings for
ventilation.

The city recently started issuing orders demanding the owners of
busted grow homes to file reports from appropriate professionals
detailing damage and offering assurances that it has been fixed.