COPS CLOSE 20TH POTHOUSE

Raid Weeds Out Marijuana Plants Worth $180,000

A Whitby man was allegedly found hiding in the basement surrounded by
marijuana plants worth $180,000 when Durham cops weeded out their 20th
household hydroponic operation since last Nov. 2, police said
yesterday. As with 19 other investigations, drug officers said they
got a lead on the William Stephenson Dr. home because of the large
amount of electricity being used.

A hydro worker was assigned during Thursday's raid to cut the power,
which police said had been diverted from a main junction line to the
house.

A man found "hiding in the dark basement" hurt three ribs when he fell
over a fan while struggling with drug unit officers, Durham Regional
Police spokesman David Selby said.

A total of 179 immature plants -- which investigators allege would
have produced weed at maturity worth $1.5 million on the street --
were seized, along with $30,000 worth of pot-growing equipment.

The accused indoor drug farmer was placed in a cell at the Oshawa
police office after being treated for bruised ribs at Lakeridge Health
Centre, formerly Oshawa General Hospital.

Thanh Tuan Dam, 33, is charged with production of a controlled
substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of
electricity valued at more than $5,000.