POT PROFIT LURES PEOPLE INTO LIFE OF GROW-OPS

The lure of huge profits is drawing ordinary citizens into the crime
of growing marijuana in their homes despite the health and safety
risks and the prospect of going to jail, says a judge in this town
north of Toronto.

"The potential financial rewards were so great that hundreds of
persons in this area with no prior criminal history were becoming
involved in this activity," Justice Joseph Kenkel said in a recently
released judgment.

Kenkel sentenced Van Hai Phi, who had no prior criminal record, to
nine months in jail for marijuana possession and production and hydro
theft.

Canadian courts rarely jail first-time offenders for non-violent
offences.

The judge said he wanted to send the message that courts will not
tolerate York Region becoming a "haven for drug traffickers and their
suppliers."

Police stumbled onto the 732 marijuana plants when they visited Phi to
investigate a traffic accident last year.

"Unfortunately, only a jail sentence would sufficiently deter Mr. Phi
and others like him from participation in these lucrative
enterprises," Kenkel said.