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Grow Busters

Police estimate that there are up to 50,000 marijuana grow operations across Canada, and that as many as 15,000 are located in the Lower Mainland area alone. Marijuana cultivation has become a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada!

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In July 2000, the Vancouver Police Department launched a special task force known as Grow Busters in response to the overwhelming problem Vancouver was experiencing with marijuana grow operations. Grow Busters collects tips and sets off in search of marijuana grow houses. When enough evidence is found search warrants are obtained and the grow operations are raided and shut down. In many instances charges and large fines are pressed against those responsible for the grow-ops. Grow Busters has busted more than 750 grow operations since it began!

Most marijuana grow operations are located in residential areas and pose a great risk to neighborhoods. The most serious danger is from a fire that could destroy not only the house that the grow operation is setup inside of, but other homes close by as well. A great deal of electricity is required to run a grow operation and operators usually tamper with the home's electrical supply to increase the amount of hydro being used, while bypassing the utility meters. Electrocutions suffered as a result of people rewiring the electrical systems without knowing what they are doing is another concern. Police estimate that one in 10 of indoor marijuana operations will eventually go up in flames.

Police are also concerned with the booby traps that some operators setup to protect their investments; the build up of toxic moulds and poisonous gases that are vented outside and released into the neighborhoods; the cost of the stolen hydro; the property damage that is caused; and the acts of violence that are not uncommon among the individuals that operate marijuana grow operations.

Here is a list of some of the things that might indicate a house in your neighborhood is a marijuana grow operation:

  • Few people are seen coming and going from the home.
  • There are late night or very short visits by people.
  • There are strange smells coming from the home, often at the same time of day or night. It can smell strongly of fabric softener, or have a "skunk" smell.
  • People are continually coming and going with large bulky items or garbage bags.
  • There is evidence of tampering to the electric meter (damaged or broken seals) or the ground around it.
  • There are water and/or electrical cords running to the basement or outbuildings.
  • The home makes a humming sound or has motorized, fan-like noises.
  • The property has excessive security (guard dogs, "keep out" signs, high fences, heavy chains and locks on gates).
  • The windows of the home are always covered, and have condensation on them.
  • The neighbors are never seen taking groceries or furniture into the home. They put out little or no garbage

If you suspect there is a marijuana grow operation in your neighborhood please call the Grow Busters' info line at 604-717-3456.


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