RAID REVEALS RENTAL RISKS

Police say a recent drug bust demonstrates a growing trend that is proving
extremely costly for many landlords.

Vernon RCMP raided a home in the Westshore area off Westside Road March 22.
Inside, police discovered a grow operation with 300 marijuana plants and
the associated lights and equipment. They also found extensive damage to
the rental property.

"The house suffered considerable damage to floors, walls and ceilings given
the high humidity conditions required to cultivate marijuana," said Cpl.
Henry Proce with the Vernon RCMP.

The house had been rented to an Asian male, originally from Burnaby, who
was not residing at the Westside premises.

"Recent trends have also indicated that Asian organized crime is actively
moving into the illegal cultivation of marijuana," said Proce.

"In the Lower Mainland, Asian and Vietnamese gangs are utilizing the
illegal profits from the trade to purchase or rent homes to house these
grow operations."

Police have not yet laid charges in connection to the Westside Road bust,
and Proce would not say if there are any indications organized crime was
involved in the grow operation.

"I can't go into that detail at this time. It's an ongoing investigation."

But Proce did say more and more Okanagan homes are being rented for the
sole purpose of growing marijuana.

"And when they're done, these guys simply walk away from them and they
don't care what the extent of the damage is."

He added that many insurance companies no longer cover damage done by grow
operations, leaving the landlord on the hook for the repairs.

"This trend was established in the Lower Mainland and we're starting to see
it filter into the Interior and north of the province."

Police are advising landlords to take precautions to ensure their
properties aren't turned into grow operations. Proce said landlord should
be wary of renters paying with cash and for up to a year in advance,
refusing to allow random checks, and no communication with the tenant for
long periods of time.

He added police are also asking realtors to be wary of suspicious buyers.

"In some cases, people have purchased high-end homes with no negotiations
at all. They simply walk in and buy the place," said Proce.

He said police can help landlords determine if potential renters could be
interested in establishing a grow operation.

"In addition, landlords and neighbours should be aware that these houses
are increasingly becoming very dangerous places as the criminals seek to
protect and secure their crop with various means."