(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 members of the Bruce Peninsula Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) located and removed approximately 175 marihuana plants from a South Bruce Peninsula field. The plants were ready to harvest and have an estimated value of $175,000.
As the annual harvest period draws to a close, Ontario Provincial Police remind residents and visitors of the dangers associated with outdoor marihuana grow-ops.
Marihuana plants are bright green in colour and grow to between three and five feet in height. Marihuana leaves have seven jagged fingers and the plants give off a strong, pungent, musty odour. Common indicators of outdoor marihuana grow operations include:
1. Abandoned vehicles parked on side roads or trails.
2. People observed walking in remote areas for no apparent reason.
3. Bags of fertilizer, planting trays or chemicals located in remote areas.
4. Well-trampled trails in wooded or swamp areas.
5. Cleared out areas in swamps, wooded areas or corn fields.
6. Recent posting of “No Trespassing†signs.
Public Safety Tips
If you discover or suspect an outdoor marihuana grow operation:
1. As soon as possible, call your local police or Crime Stoppers.
2. Do not touch the marihuana plants due to potential chemical residue on the plants.
3. If confronted by a marihuana grower, leave the area immediately and contact police.
4. If possible and safe to do so, record any license plate or GPS information and notify police.
5. In some cases, outdoor marihuana grows are guarded or protected by booby- traps. If you discovered a crop of marihuana plants, do not enter the area! For your personal safety, turn around and immediately leave the area the same way you came in.
If you have any information regarding illegal marihuana grow ops, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
