Watch for outdoor marijuana grow–ops

August 17, 2015 · 0 Comments

Summer is here and that means another season for outdoor marijuana grow operations. The OPP need your help in identifying possible growers and grow locations.
Marijuana plants have already been planted during the months of May and June. Growers head out to rural areas in search of property suitable for the illegal crop. Swamps, corn fields and wooded areas especially near a river or stream are common locations. The growers may even rent a rural property with acreage.
The growers return to maintain the plants about every two weeks until they are ready for harvesting in the fall.
Common indicators of an outdoor marijuana grow location may include:
• People who are not from the area all of a sudden showing up, may claim they are out for a walk or fishing. They may have two way radios, maps or a GPS.
• Bags of fertilizer, planting trays or chemicals located in remote areas.
• Plastic cups, other trays, soil, garbage bags left around.
• “No Trespassing” signs all of a sudden posted in an area (posted by the grower).
• Unattended vehicles parked on the shoulder of the road for several hours.
Public warning notice: If you suspect marijuana plants may be growing in an area call police. Often these locations have booby traps set and there is a risk of serious injury. The other danger could be confronting the growers, who may or may not be armed with a weapon.
If you have information or suspect an outdoor marijuana grow operation, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Dufferin OPP detachment at 519-925-3838. Please be sure to include details of the location. All information will be confidential.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.