LID PUT ON POT EQUIPMENT SALES

OTTAWA--Some marijuana growers are going to have to find themselves a new
equipment supplier -- the federal government has closed up shop.

Scott Brison, the minister of public works and government services, has
stopped all sales of equipment seized in marijuana grow operations after
learning that drug dealers were buying the gear back at public auctions.

"When I became aware of the situation I decided to put an immediate freeze
on any transactions of this nature," he told the Commons yesterday.

"There will be no reselling of this type of paraphernalia or equipment that
is used in hydroponic grow operations," he said.

Brison acted after getting a letter from York police Chief Armand LaBarge
this week complaining that equipment found at a marijuana growing operation
in Whitchurch-Stouffville in August had been seized by police before.

An investigation found that the scales, fans, generators and dehumidifiers
had been sold at government auctions after being seized by police in York
and Halton regions and London, Ont., over the last few years.

LaBarge said it was "appalling" that the confiscated gear was being resold
at "bargain basement prices."

He urged Brison to change the Seized Property Management Act so that these
items are destroyed rather than sold to the public.