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| What should you look for to avoid buying a grow-op: |
We asked our expert, a 25-year veteran with the RCMP (with 15 years in drug investigations) and currently employed by the Port Moody Police Department, a series of questions to assist you further on issues relating to marijuana grow-ops and other illegal activity. To protect his identity and family we have agreed not to publish his name or provide his picture. The Port Moody Police Department has reviewed this information.
Content:
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| Some signs of former grow-op activity: |
- Excessive security (i.e. bars in the windows, alarm systems, guard dogs, extras locks and bars for doors)
- Dents on the front door (from police raids)
- Unexplained holes in floors, walls and ceilings (used for ventilation)
- Water stains at the bottom of dry wall
- Mould on floors, walls or ceilings
- Burn marks on the floor (caused by ballasts)
- Painted or unpainted concrete floors with circular marks (where pots once stood)
- Evidence of tampering to electrical and plumbing systems, furnaces and hot water tanks
- Minimal landscaping or lawn maintenance
- Patterns of screw/nail holes on walls and ceilings
- Blocked windows
- Nail or tape marks around windows or walls
- Unexplained drywall patches
- A humid, musty or heavy air inside
- Fertilizer, pesticides, pots, or materials used for grow-ops usually found in unfinished basements, attics or crawl spaces
- Sparse furniture
- No nail holes for pictures on walls in finished areas
- Unusually high utility bills (Note: Utility bills may not be helpful since a more sophisticated operation would bypass the utility meters.)
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Dents on a front door from a police raid (left), holes cut for ventilation purposes are sometimes done in less obvious areas such as in closets (centre) and an electrical by-pass (right). -Photos courtesy of the Port Moody Police Department |
Sources of information of grow-op or illegal activities?
- Neighbours
- Articles in local newspapers (many local papers have archived stories on their websites with search engines. Using the street or the word "grow-ops", could uncover information about the home or the neighbourhood.)
- Local police departments (each department may have different policies for giving out information on current and former grow-ops or any illegal activity)
Are there safety risks?
Also see Health Risks under Marijuana Grow-Ops Part II
Yes, it can happen that others involved in the past illegal activity may not know that the property has sold. Also, this type of activity in neighbouring homes may not be desirous to you and your family. Increased fires, shootings and violence associated with illegal activities are a concern for all citizens and law enforcement agencies.
What you can do if you suspect drug activity:
- Call the local police department
- Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
- Note: Although you can remain anonymous, providing your name and phone number to law enforcement agencies assists overwhelmed staff to call back if additional details are needed to act on the tip. By calling Crime Stoppers, you could also be eligible for a reward if your tip leads to an arrest.
