$6.2M SEIZED FROM YORK GROW HOUSES

York Regional Police continued their war on marijuana grow houses, seizing
an estimated $6.2 million worth of plants from 23 locations in Vaughan,
Richmond Hill and Markham last month.

More than 6,200 plants were seized during Operation Lights Out, which saw
police working in conjunction with local utility companies to identify and
raid the grow operations.

The crops were, in all likelihood, established by organized crime rings,
said Staff sgt. Karen Noakes of the drugs and vice squad. "We believe it's
Asian organized crime," she said.

"Generally, I don't believe it's the people in the homes."

But criminals are trying to integrate their operations to avoid detection,
Staff Sgt. Noakes said. That means they are less prone to growing crops in
empty homes, as they have in the past.

"People are paid to move into the home and grow the crop," she said.

"They're bringing whole families into these homes now."

Whether they actually own the crop or not, these "farmers" are left holding
the bag when police knock on the door. In all, 14 people were charged with
drug-related offences, as well as theft of electricity in the latest sweep.
Hydro bypasses were discovered at 16 of the houses searched.

Enlisting the help of local hydro companies has been an ongoing effort and
has helped cops track down grow houses, typically average-looking homes in
residential subdivisions.

All 23 of the homes raided between Nov. 17 and 27 were residential units
that had been converted to serve as grow houses.

Cops serving search warrants also recovered 65 pounds of dried marijuana,
valued at $130,000, along with psilocybin -- popularly known as magic
mushrooms -- worth $1,000 and a quantity of ecstasy tablets worth $1,000.

Police found a 9-milimetre handgun and a replica handgun during their
searches. They also seized $11,000 in cash.

In addition, three children were found living in grow houses, police said.
Two of the youngsters are in custody of the Children's Aid Society while
another has been placed with relatives.

Tracking down and busting grow houses has been identified as a high
priority by Chief Armand La Barge.

Staff Sgt. Noakes said York police will continue to aggressively seek out
and raid grow houses.