KIN SOUGHT FOR GROW-OP VICTIM

Man Killed In York Pot House

YORK REGIONAL Police are trying to track down family members of a man found
shot to death in a marijuana grow house in Georgina.

Police have not released the identity of the man, in his early 40s, who was
killed inside the Ley Blvd. home some time before 8 a.m. on Wednesday. An
autopsy yesterday showed he died of a gunshot wound.

Police Chief Armand La Barge said, despite a continued effort by his
officers to wipe out marijuana grow operations, the murder shows they still
have a lot of work to do.

"These operations place us all at risk, bringing criminals into our
neighbourhoods and violent crime into our communities," he said.

La Barge said there are several ways people can spot pot houses in their
areas, starting with the home's external appearance.

He advises residents to look out for homes with neglected lawns, windows
that are always covered or have condensation on them, and lights on all the
time, or people coming and going at odd hours or pulling directly into the
garage and never appearing outside. Anyone who thinks a grow operation is
in their neighbourhood should call police, he said.

The murder is York's 15th so far this year.

So far police have charged 77 people in connection with the seizure of more
than $33 million in pot plants.