POT GROWERS DIG RURAL AREAS

Criminals seeking secluded spots to grow marijuana are increasingly setting
up in rural areas in hopes of eluding police. "It's becoming a bigger
problem in rural areas," said Cornwall RCMP spokeswoman Sharon Villeneuve.
"I would say they are changing their strategies as far as locations."

The criminals often plant marijuana among existing crops, usually without
the knowledge of the farmer.

"In that case, they always hope to remove the crop before it is noticed,"
said Villeneuve.

The infiltration of large-scale marijuana grow ops in urban neighbourhoods
is a mushrooming problem but rural communities are not immune to these
criminal operations.

On Tuesday, two Winchester men were arrested and an estimated $1.5 million
worth of marijuana plants were seized during a police raid at a former
cattle barn on County Rd. 38.

Hydro Rigged

The joint operation by the OPP and RCMP netted 1,475 marijuana plants and
$60,000 worth of hydroponic equipment.

Hydro meters had been bypassed, with an estimated $2,000 of electricity
being diverted each month, and part of the barn was set up as living
accommodations.

Police said the operation could produce up to two crops a year, generating
an estimated $3 million for the pot growers.

William Laurie Eastman, 61, and Edward Rodney Whitford, 30, have been
charged with production and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Although this bust was not the result of a tip from the public, Villeneuve
stressed the importance of residents watching for possible grow ops.

However, she added that in rural areas where neighbours live far apart, it
could be difficult for them to notice odd behaviour, more so than in urban
neighbourhoods.

"Yes, I would have to say it is a bigger problem," she said.

"That's why we always invite the community to give us a call if they see
anything unusual."

Organized Crime

The majority of grow ops are run by organized crime and pose a significant
threat to public safety, said Villeneuve.

"Often we find out that even home invasions end up having to do with drug
money or to pay for drugs and everything is interrelated when it comes to
violence," she said. "It wasn't the case this time, but there are other
times when loaded guns are seized. So it is dangerous for the whole community."

This is the first time a grow operation of this nature has been discovered
in the municipality, said North Dundas Mayor Alvin Runnalls. "I don't think
it's a big problem," he added.