CITY TURNS UP HEAT ON POT

Police have busted a marijuana grow-op in White Rock of more than 1,500 plants.

White Rock RCMP Const. Steve Whiffen said the bust Wednesday evening was
one of the biggest in recent years for the local Mounties.

The plants, in various stages of cultivation, were seized from a rental
property in the 13700-block of Marine Drive.

In addition, numerous bags of marijuana bud and "associated paraphernalia"
were seized.

A man, 24, was taken into police custody at the scene. His name is being
held pending a court appearance.

The City of White Rock has shut the house down owing to damage caused by
the grow operation.

Whiffen said the drug bust was a significant step in the fight against
drugs in the seaside city.

"Drug production of this nature is a problem that we are not immune to here
in White Rock," he said. "We are now turning up the heat on grow operations
in the city and the community can help us. All reports of marijuana grow
operations will be taken seriously and investigated."

Whiffen issued the following advice that home owners and neighbours should
look for in detecting marijuana grow operations. A key indicator is that
growing marijuana produces a strong, skunk-like odour that can be detected
outside the home.

Other indicators could be: residents only attend the home occasionally, for
brief periods; windows remain covered and may have condensation; hydro
meters are tampered with; sounds of construction and/or ventilation fans
can sometimes be heard.

To report a suspected grow operation, contact your nearest police station
or Crime Stoppers at 604-669-TIPS.