News (Media Awareness Project) - CN MB: What Happens to Busted Weed Houses |
| Title: | CN MB: What Happens to Busted Weed Houses |
| Published On: | 2004-05-09 |
| Source: | Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-18 10:37:57 |
WHAT HAPPENS TO BUSTED WEED HOUSES
Some Stay Boarded Up for Months
Once police complete their investigation, abandoned houses that contained
marijuana grow operations may remain boarded up for months. "Perhaps
nothing happens to the home," said Garry Solkoski, housing and buildings
administrator for the city. "The owner still owns the building. You don't
relinquish it because you're convicted of a crime."
In certain cases, the house may be seized under federal legislation
targeting criminals who profit from illegal activity, he said.
But if it isn't, Solkoski said the owner of the house is required to secure
the home and maintain it under the city's vacant dwellings bylaw.
Nearly a year and a half after a fire burned through 32 Shalimar Cres., the
home is still unoccupied with its windows boarded up. Police found a grow
op with 50 plants worth about $84,000 inside the house.
Houses are allowed to remain boarded for 18 months, after the owner obtains
three six-month permits, he said. Owners must buy the permits, Solkoski added.
DERELICT BUILDINGS BYLAW
The city's proposed derelict buildings bylaw -- which will not likely be
implemented until July -- only extends the city's powers to commercial
buildings. It would not curb the problem of abandoned grow ops, he said.
Grow houses are popping up in all areas of Winnipeg.
On April 18, police found more than 100 mature marijuana plants with an
estimated street value of $117,000 at 1009 Redwood Ave.
Police busted a major pot grow operation on March 26 when they found 486
plants with an estimated street value of $555,520, along with growing
equipment and $275 in cash at 80 Gemini Ave. in North Kildonan.
Investigators said they believed the sophisticated grow was connected to
one they busted earlier that month.
Cops seized 527 plants worth an estimated $590,240 on March 5, after
executing a search warrant on a bungalow at 43 Wittenberg Rd. in Whyte Ridge.
On Feb. 27, vice officers executed a search warrant at 133 Spruce Thicket
Walk. Marijuana plants and some growing equipment were seized.
Some Stay Boarded Up for Months
Once police complete their investigation, abandoned houses that contained
marijuana grow operations may remain boarded up for months. "Perhaps
nothing happens to the home," said Garry Solkoski, housing and buildings
administrator for the city. "The owner still owns the building. You don't
relinquish it because you're convicted of a crime."
In certain cases, the house may be seized under federal legislation
targeting criminals who profit from illegal activity, he said.
But if it isn't, Solkoski said the owner of the house is required to secure
the home and maintain it under the city's vacant dwellings bylaw.
Nearly a year and a half after a fire burned through 32 Shalimar Cres., the
home is still unoccupied with its windows boarded up. Police found a grow
op with 50 plants worth about $84,000 inside the house.
Houses are allowed to remain boarded for 18 months, after the owner obtains
three six-month permits, he said. Owners must buy the permits, Solkoski added.
DERELICT BUILDINGS BYLAW
The city's proposed derelict buildings bylaw -- which will not likely be
implemented until July -- only extends the city's powers to commercial
buildings. It would not curb the problem of abandoned grow ops, he said.
Grow houses are popping up in all areas of Winnipeg.
On April 18, police found more than 100 mature marijuana plants with an
estimated street value of $117,000 at 1009 Redwood Ave.
Police busted a major pot grow operation on March 26 when they found 486
plants with an estimated street value of $555,520, along with growing
equipment and $275 in cash at 80 Gemini Ave. in North Kildonan.
Investigators said they believed the sophisticated grow was connected to
one they busted earlier that month.
Cops seized 527 plants worth an estimated $590,240 on March 5, after
executing a search warrant on a bungalow at 43 Wittenberg Rd. in Whyte Ridge.
On Feb. 27, vice officers executed a search warrant at 133 Spruce Thicket
Walk. Marijuana plants and some growing equipment were seized.
Member Comments |
No member comments available...
