POLICE RESOURCES CAN'T KEEP UP WITH GROW OPS

The Takedowns Continue - But They Don't Come Cheap.

Ridge Meadows RCMP have uprooted four more marijuana grow ops,
bringing the total number of busts this month to 10, with 14 people
arrested and 5,458 plants sent to the incinerator.

While the latest attack on grow ops might seem significant, RCMP
spokesperson Cpl. Rhonda Stoner says they are merely a drop in the
bucket compared to the number of homes in Maple Ridge being used to
grow pot.

She says, on average, the detachment receives 150 tips from the
community each year and finding the time and manpower to take them
down is a challenge.

"We understand there is frustration in neighbourhoods...but we do not
have enough resources to investigate them all," Cpl. Stoner said Wednesday.

The 10 grow ops dismantled over the last two weeks, had the local drug
squad running at a fever pitch and required the help of other
detachments, and had officers working over-time hours.

"Unfortunately (busting grow ops) is extremely costly," Cpl. Stoner
said, "and very time consuming and therefore we cannot do this volume
on a regular basis."

For example, gathering evidence and writing search warrants for a
single grow op can take two officers between 20 and 60 hours. After
the home is busted, six officers spend an average of five hours in the
home.

Processing evidence, suspects and reporting to the courts can take
another 40 hours.

"Then there is time to prepare and testify in court at a later date,
which requires lab report and document preparation," added Cpl. Stoner.

An dthat's just for one take down, which means trying to tackle the
150 tips that come in a year isn't doable with the detachment's
current resources.

"Ridge Meadows RCMP only has a handful of officers working solely on
drugs...so one can see that we are unable to get to 150 reports in a
given year, as there are also other drug issues to attend to on a
regular basis," Cpl. Stoner explained, adding the detachment is
encouraged by recent comments by Solicitor General Rich Coleman
calling for stiffer penalties for those caught growing pot.

The latest bust found pot growing in homes on Makinson Street 100
Avenue, 202 Street, and 133 Ave.

A total of 1,435 plants were hauled in and seven people arrested and
are facing charges.