CONFISCATED POT GEAR TURNS UP IN STOUFFVILLE RAID

After finding previously confiscated marijuana growing equipment in a
major industrial grow operation in Whitchurch-Stouffville, York
Regional Police are asking the federal government to stop re-selling
seized hydroponics gear.

Drugs and vice officers raided an industrial unit Aug. 11 and found a
sophisticated lighting and ventilation system and 1,116 marijuana
plants, valued at about $1.2 million.

Much to their surprise, among the lights, generators, dehumidifiers
and fans being used to grow the marijuana were items previously seized
at marijuana grows by York, Halton and London police over the past six
years.

It turned out the confiscated items had been auctioned off by a
private liquidation company on behalf of the federal agency
responsible for the management of drug paraphernalia confiscated by
police.

In the wake of the discovery, Police Chief Armand La Barge said the
federal government should make legislative changes to ensure all
equipment seized from a marijuana grow operation is destroyed.

"I find it absolutely appalling that confiscated marijuana grow lab
equipment is being re-sold to the public and at bargain basement
prices. I am also very concerned about the health risks associated
with the re-sale of equipment used in marijuana grow operations,"
Chief La Barge said. "Given the degree of mould and chemicals found in
these places, our officers require full protective gear when
dismantling a grow operation and yet the fans, dehumidifiers, scales
and lights we seize are being sold to the public."

In 2003, York Regional Police dismantled 173 marijuana grow
operations, seizing plants valued at $51 million. So far in 2004,
officers have dismantled more than 100 operations across the region.

"It is very disheartening to me and to our drug and vice officers that
this type of equipment is finding its way back into the hands of
criminals," Chief La Barge said.