Crime Of The Week Specials
Report a Grow. Be Eligible for Dough!
Crime Stoppers would like to remind everyone that at this time of year illegal marijuana operations may be planted outdoors in the Tillsonburg, Norfolk & Haldimand areas. If you see something that you think is illegal marijuana, call Crime Stoppers and help put an end to these illegal crops.
Marijuana plants...
- are bright green
- have an odd number of leaves in clusters
- can range in height from six inches to ten feet at maturity
- emit a distinct pungent odour (like a skunk)
- are tacky
Where Can Marijuana Plants Be Found
- because it needs an adequate supply of water to grow it is often planted along the sides of creeks, rivers or swamps
- because it needs good sunlight it is sometimes planted on the south side of fields (and sometimes without the landowner’s knowledge or consent)
- near other legitimate crops (such as corn)
- along fence lines
- in woodlots
Signs of an illegal marijuana grow may also include things like vehicles parked on the side of roads or trails; people frequenting remote areas for no apparent reason; signs of gardening (fertilizer bags, planting trays, etc) in remote areas; and/or trampled or cleared areas in swamps, woods or fields.
Crime Stoppers also encourages people to utilize programs such as “Operation Pot Spot” (OPS). Launched provincially in the mid 1990’s, OPS appeals to aviation enthusiasts, encouraging them to be observant while they are flying over rural areas. From the sky, marijuana plants are bright green, sometimes appear in clusters, very often have the immediate surrounding area trampled and can even be grown among legitimate crops such as corn. If pilots see something that they feel is suspicious, they are encouraged to jot down the location through a “global positioning system” and then call Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers cautions individuals to never approach a suspected marijuana crop in person. Doing so may be dangerous. Instead, individuals should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) / www.helpsolvecrime.com or call their local police service.