OPP SCOOPS UP $56M IN WEED

The Ontario Provincial Police have seized $56 million in marijuana plants
over the last four months.

From July to October, the provincial marijuana eradication program
targeted large growing operations and traffickers.

Over the course of the investigation, police seized 56,000 marijuana plants
with an estimated street value of $56 million.

They also seized 22 weapons and more than $326,000 worth of cultivation and
harvesting equipment and property.

Forty-seven people were charged with 109 drug offences.

The police have been using a helicopter for the aerial surveillance of
eastern, central and western Ontario. Funding for the leased helicopter
comes from money seized under proceeds of crime legislation.

CHOPPERS

"Aerial surveillance is a valuable tool in monitoring and locating the
least visible growing locations and obscure plots often adjacent to marshes
and rivers," Det.-Supt. Jim Hutchinson said.

"The location, removal and destruction of seized marijuana plants has a
definite impact on organized crime. Criminals profit from this illegal
activity," Hutchinson said.