SOUTH DELTA RELATIVELY POT FREE

The Delta Police drug section is currently investigating about 10 suspected
grow ops in South Delta, a far cry from neighbouring communities such as
Richmond where RCMP officials believe that as many as 500 illegal, and very
lucrative operations are being undertaken.

"The reputation of Delta taking a hard line in investigating and shutting
down grow ops is one of the reasons for the comparatively few numbers,"
claimed Delta Police spokesperson Sharlene Brooks.

The last reported grow op bust was in November last year when a warehouse
in the Tilbury Industrial Park was found to contain 523 marijuana plants
worth approximately $500,000.

Brooks said the crack down on illegal grow ops across Delta in 2000,
Operation Bud Out, has had a lasting effect in preventing the marijuana
trade from re-establishing in significant numbers.

That blitz netted a total of 102 grow ops, most of them in the North Delta
area.

Brooks said the reason North Delta showed a higher number of grow ops is
the likelihood there are more rental properties on the market than in
Ladner and Tsawwassen. Brooks added, most grow operators prefer to target
rental properties when deciding where to set up.

Another reason Delta has few grow ops has been the public's awareness and
diligence in reporting suspicious activities associated with the
operations, Brooks said.