COURT RULING MAY HINDER CITY GROW OP PROGRAM

A British Columbia Supreme Court case may challenge one of the main
underpinnings of Surrey's new grow op program.

This week, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled 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 aE"
sometimes escorted by police aE" 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.