COURT RULING MAY HINDER CITY MARIJUANA GROW-OP PROGRAM

A B.C. Supreme Court case may challenge one of the main underpinnings
of Surrey's new grow-op program.

Last week, a BCSC judge ruled B.C. Hydro had to return power to a
South Surrey home after shutting it off because police escorted
municipal inspectors onto the property.

This was deemed equivalent to a warrantless search by police.

Under Surrey's program, high consumers of power are served warning of
a pending municipal inspection.

High power consumption is a sign of a potential marijuana grow operation.

If the homeowner doesn't permit the inspection, fire officials,
sometimes escorted by police, return to enter the home.

Fire Chief Len Garis, who heads Surrey's program, said it will
continue to operate status quo for the foreseeable future. He
wouldn't comment on the case before the courts, but said a legal team
is watching it closely.