POT HOUSE CASH GOES TO CROWN

The Halton Regional Police Services' (HRPS) fight against marijuana growing
operations has taken a new turn after a court ordered the forfeiture of
cash and property seized from a "pot house" last year.

The ruling successfully concludes a proceeds of crime investigation begun
after officers raided a Grenville Drive residence on Dec. 19, 2001 -- one
of five operations closed down that day -- and seized a hydroponic
equipment and cash.

On April 23, the suspect charged in the Grenville case was convicted of
producing a controlled substance, at which time the judge ordered the
equipment and money forfeited to the Crown.

The man was sentenced to time served and a day in jail plus a year's
probation. (He had already spent 100 days in jail between his December
arrest and his April court appearance.)

This month, the money, which amounted to $7,800, was forwarded to the
Federal Receiver General and the equipment was authorized for destruction.

According to HRPS, this asset forfeiture -- which is awarded upon
conviction -- is "another component of the war on drugs by Canadian police
services."

HRPS is a member of the Provincial Proceeds of Crime Unit, which works to
remove profit from criminal activity. This unit co-ordinates projects with
HRPS' justice partners as a response to sophisticated and organized
criminal activities. Any proceeds from seized assets are paid into the
consolidated revenue of the responsible federal or provincial governments.

According to Sgt. Val Hay, many of those arrested in the dozens of pot
house busts of recent months are beginning to have their day in court so
more forfeiture rulings are expected.