POLICE OFFER TIPS ON SPOTTING OUTDOOR MARIJUANA CROPS

With the prime growing season now upon us, members of the Hamilton
Police Drug Unit are asking citizens in rural areas to watch for
suspicious activity around properties.

Yes, now is the time when individuals locate large fields and crops to
plant their own marijuana crop. The outdoor season is now underway,
and Police want those in rural areas to be aware of the following
actions and areas:

* unknown vehicles parked on the side of the road for short
periods;

* foot paths not normally present;

* open areas (allowing maximum sunlight), surrounded by large trees
(to provide optimum cover);

* "the back forty;" and

* chicken wire, bamboo and other items off to the sides of pathways
and trails.

Hamilton Police have already removed several hundred plants from a
Highway 5 property this week.

The plants are only in their early stages of growth this time of year
and hold no real value this early in the season.

Members of the community are asked to help Police nip this problem in
the "bud."