POT PROBLEM IS BILLOWING EAST

Marijuana grow operations are making their way across the country.

At the July meeting of the police board, members discussed a resolution
which is being put forward by the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board
to the annual meeting of the Canadian Association of Police Boards.

It states: "Whereas our communities are experiencing an unprecedented
increase in the illegal cultivation and distribution of marijuana (commonly
referred to as grow operations) and there is now broad public awareness
that such criminal activity is a threat to the safety and to the well being
of people of our community..."

The resolution concludes,

"Therefore be it resolved that the Canadian Association of Police Boards
believes these grow operations pose a serious threat to our communities and
recommends that legislative changes be made to ensure effective deterrents
are in place, not only in the form of incarceration, but also in the form
of substantial financial penalties."

Local member Karen Hearn noted this the first year eastern cities have
mentioned marijuana grow operations.

"It's great to see there'll be some further support so we can make some
good recommendations... and legislative change."

Chair Helen Sparkes said when the Lower Mainland Municipal Association
started its drug strategy five years ago, their eastern counterparts had no
concept of the seriousness of what was involved.

"Maybe now they're starting to realize what we've been going through."