Major Drugs and Vice Bureau
Indoor Marihuana Grow Operations
Indoor Marihuana Grow operations are a national problem. Over the past five years Peel Region, along with many other of the larger regions in Ontario have become a haven to house these illicit drug homes. This is due to several factors such as location, housing booms, population, and the lifestyle of any busy metropolis where getting to know who lives next door is a thing of the past.
Who is Responsible?
Reasons for growing Marihuana?
Community Impact
Safety:
Financial:
History of Problem in Peel Region
- 2000- 33 indoor grow labs dismantled
- 2001- 152 indoor grow labs dismantled
- 2002- 234 indoor grow labs dismantled
- 2003- 376 indoor grow labs dismantled
- 2004- 209 grow labs dismantled
- From 2000-2004 18 fires caused by marihuana grow operations
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Look for these signs and call the police
SIGNS OF AN INDOOR MARIHUANA GROW OPERATION
The following are signs that could be indicative of an indoor marihuana grow operation.
- Unkempt homes and lawns
- Any tampering with the electrical meter/or wires outside the home.
- Odour of marihuana which is a sweet pungent smell.
- Strange noises such as fans used in venting odour or heat.
- Odour of moth balls/fabric softener used to disguise the smell of marihuana.
- Rarely seeing any persons at the residence; and, for those that do appear; only using the garage door to enter the home.
- Build up of condensation on the windows.
- Windows covered up all the time, especially those in the basement.
- No garbage put to curb on garbage pick up day, or garbage being placed at curb by individuals arriving at the home from another location.
- In winter time much less snow on the roof than any other home on the street.
- Persons arriving only to shovel snow from the driveway or walkway.
- Lights in residence always appear to be set on timers and being turned on at the same time every night.
- Large purchases of fertilizer, garden hoses, plastic pipes, large amounts of lumber, several different sizes of pots, and any other unusual items which may be used for indoor growing.
If you observe a number or any of these indicators and believe an indoor marihuana grow operation is located within that residence, please contact the Major Drugs and Vice Bureau or Peel Police Crime Stoppers.