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Operation Pot Spot to Take to the Skies
July 19, 2010, Simcoe, ON - Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg is calling on all pilots to be an “eye in the sky” as the crime fighting program looks to help combat illegal drug crops that continue to affect our communities. Launched provincially in the mid 1990’s and appropriately named “Operation Pot Spot,” the initiative appeals to aviation enthusiasts and encourages them to be observant for suspicious things like illegal marijuana crops while they are flying over rural areas.
Because the risk of frost is minimal at this time of the year, many illegal marijuana crops may now be planted outdoors. 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.
“Operation Pot Spot is a timely, provincial initiative that gives a specific group of people – pilots – the opportunity to help in the fight against drugs if they happen to see something that they think is not right,” says Gord Little, Chairperson for Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg. He continues, “When pilots see something that they feel is suspicious, then they are encouraged to jot down the location through a “global positioning system” and then contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.”
Marijuana plants are bright green, with an odd number of leaves in clusters, can range in height from six inches to ten feet tall (at maturity), emit a distinct pungent odor (like a skunk) and are tacky to the touch. They can be found near creeks or swamps, on the south side of fields, along fence lines and in woodlots.
Signs of an illegal marijuana grow operation 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 cautions individuals to never approach a suspected marijuana crop in person. Doing so may be dangerous. Instead, individuals should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously or call their local police service.
If you have any information about illegal drug activity, or any crime occurring in your community, contact Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg anonymously. Crime Stoppers is a community based organization that gives people an anonymous, confidential way to relay information to investigators without ever having to get involved as a witness. The program’s toll free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) line and online webtips (www.helpsolvecrime.com) are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cash rewards up to $2000 are offered for information that helps to solve a case.