MARIJUANA 'GROWS' BENEFIT FROM LONG HOT SUMMER

NORTH BAY - The long hot summer has been well suited to the illegal
cultivation of marijuana. The Ontario Provincial Police are asking the
public to report any unusual crop, cultivation or suspicious activity that
they might see.

Each spring marihuana traffickers attempt to find secluded areas to grow
the illegal plant.

Crown land, farm properties, berry patches and the wet areas adjacent to
marshes and swamps are all favoured locations. It is quite common for
growers to trespass and plant on private property in an effort to insulate
themselves from their illegal activities.

As summer progresses, those involved in the outdoor cultivation of
marijuana often make frequent trips to their 'grow' sites to ensure their
plants are properly watered and fertilized. The need for ongoing crop
maintenance, combined with a strong desire to avoid detection, may result
in unusual activity in remote areas of the Northeast Region.

The presence of unfamiliar vehicles parked in secluded areas at odd hours,
and the creation of new footpaths or ATV trails leading from rural roads
into the bush may be indicative of marijuana cultivation activity.

Of particular concern to police is the increased use of 'booby traps',
designed to inflict grievous bodily injury or death, by growers attempting
to protect their plantations. Though these devices may be intended to
protect marijuana plots from theft by rival traffickers or removal by
enforcement personnel they are equally likely to injure hikers, landowners
and others who inadvertently stumble upon the growing operations.

Every year members of the public are responsible for finding and reporting
many of these 'grow' sites. Once again Near North Crime Stoppers and the
Ontario Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Units are requesting the
public's assistance in combating outdoor marijuana cultivation throughout
the North East Region.

In the event you encounter a marijuana growing operation simply record the
exact location, leave at once and call Crime Stoppers or the nearest police
service. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-888-222-TIPS