The location of Sundre RCMP's most recent large scale marijuana grow op bust is one of five Alberta properties listed on a new national RCMP database launched last week.
The RCMP joined federal government officials as well as insurance and housing organizations last Wednesday to announce the RCMP's new national strategy to combat marijuana grow operations.
Based on three key components - awareness, deterrence, and enforcement - the strategy outlines how the RCMP will work with partners and community members.
“(Marijuana grow ops) harm communities. Wherever they exist there's potential for an increase in criminal activity and a greater chance of fire, explosions and violence, said RCMP a/Commr. Mike Cabana. “This initiative is part of the RCMP renewed commitment and priority to combat marijuana production controlled by organized crime groups.”
Part of the strategy involves tipping off potential homebuyers, landlords or tenants about residences where a marijuana grow op or clandestine lab was dismantled by the RCMP under the authority of a search warrant.
When the new page launched last week, five Alberta properties were listed including NW 20-33-5-W5, just north of Sundre.
Sundre RCMP dismantled a grow op at the rural property July 21. More than 2,100 marijuana plants were found to be growing in several greenhouses.
Police arrested a suspect who is facing charges in court.
The centralized database is expected to be consistently updated with new properties.
Marijuana grow ops have become a major concern for homebuyers and realtors across the country, said Gary Morse, president of the Canadian Real Estate Association.
“Realtors are committed to protecting the interests of our clients and believe that buyers should be able to determine whether a house for sale has housed a grow op in the past,” Morse stated.
The structural integrity and inhabitability of such houses may be compromised and prospective buyers need to know that costly remediation may be needed to correct health and safety issues, he added.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is also standing behind the initiative and a company official said he has some clear advice for property owners on how to prevent grow ops from taking root in their homes and buildings.
“Property insurance is not designed to cover the destruction resulting from an illegal marijuana grow operation. It is not an accident or a random act of violence, like a break-in or damage caused by a storm,” said Ralph Palumbo, vice-president, Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada.
- Smaldon
