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Crime Stoppers Targets Illegal Drug Activity
June 24, 2009, Simcoe, ON - Illegal drugs on our streets are an unfortunate reality in many communities and Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg wants to do its part to make sure people are educated on what they can do to help stop this criminal activity from occurring. June 26 has been marked by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to bring attention to a world-wide problem and, to help mark this international event, the local Crime Stoppers program is asking people to be proactive when it comes to the battle against illegal drugs.
“Crime Stoppers takes anonymous tips on any criminal activity including illegal drug trafficking and use,” says Gord Little, Chairperson for Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg. He continues, “To date, information from anonymous tipsters has led to the seizure of more than $34.2 million dollars worth of illegal narcotics in this area alone; proving that the program works and that people can do something to help make a difference in their community.”
One contraband narcotic to appear more prevalently at this time of the year is the illegal marijuana crop. With the warm weather upon us, many of these crops are now being planted outdoors. 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.
To help combat illegal marijuana cultivation, Crime Stoppers promotes 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.
Illegal drugs come in other forms as well such as ecstasy, crystal meth, cocaine, heroin, LSD and others. Use of any of these illegal narcotics is dangerous and can be life threatening.
Many resources are available to help educate people about drug abuse, how to recognize if someone is abusing drugs and how to talk to young people about the dangers of substance abuse. For more information, contact your local health unit (Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit at www.hnhu.org), police service (OPP at www.opp.ca) or the Public Health Agency of Canada (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca).
If you have any information about illegal drug activity, or any crime occurring in your community, contact Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg. 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.