POT IS ABOUT BIG MONEY AND PROBLEMS

The Editor,

Re: "Mellow approach to grow-ops wrong," the Now editorial, March 15.

Our pathetically impotent justice system almost appears to promote our
province as a haven for marijuana cultivation. An estimated 4,500 grow-ops
- - six per cent of Surrey's households - is beyond unacceptable; it's
unquestionably disgusting. We live in what appears to be a nice
family-oriented subdivision. We are surrounded by grow-ops. We can see nine
of them from our residence. That does not include those only a block away.
All of these grow-ops are operated by organized crime. This is not just
about marijuana. This has become about murder, home invasions, drive-bys
and other serious crimes. We have been told by RCMP officers to "be aware
of our personal safety." Weapons have been found after busts. We were
thankful that no one came upon the four men in balaclavas who attempted to
ripoff one grow-op.

It sickens all of us to see these degenerates come and go while children
play innocently nearby. It is abhorrent that these individuals receive less
than a slap on the wrist, almost encouraging them them to immediately
return to their indoor endeavours as they laughingly pay their meagre fines
and return home the day after their arrest. We are no longer naively
comforted when a grow-op is busted as we now know that it is simply an
inconvenience to the grower for the loss of a crop and easily replaced
equipment.

As organized crime gets richer, we all have to suffer the consequences of
reduced property values. Grow-op houses are irreparably damaged by mold -
thereby reducing resale value and the already declining desirability of our
neighbourhoods. Does it not make sense that the illegal proceeds (ie:
houses purchased with drug money) obtained from these unlawful operations
should be channeled into police efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate
these threats to our personal safety? Why should these criminals be able to
walk through the judicial revolving door financially unscathed? Where else
is the funding to come from? Solicitor General Coleman's budget has already
been reduced by $3 million with an astounding $35 million to be cut next
year. Take a bite out of crime where it hurts.

Our foremost concern is the safety of our families, our neighbours and our
fellow citizens of Surrey. We ask this question of our politicians and
judicial system: What is your foremost concern? Is it protecting citizens'
safety or perpetuating through inaction what has become an epidemic of
organized crime? Remember that actions speak louder than words.

K. Clayton Surrey