Growbusters Program
The Vancouver Police Grow busters unit was formed in 1999 in response to the growing number of marijuana grow operations that were springing up in Vancouver and in the Lower mainland.
Working with the Collingwood Community Policing Centre they began to work in partnership with the city inspectors, fire department and B.C. Hydro in trying various ways to close the houses down. The subsequent partnerships are what now make up the Grow busters team.
Typically a team of officers acting on tips will check out the houses early in the morning. Search warrants are then obtained and a fire inspector, B.C. Hydro employee, police officers and City Electrical Inspectors will arrive at the house. If the conditions warrant, the people found inside are arrested. Strict precautionary measures are then set into place to ensure the house is deemed to be safe. The house is then boarded up and the power to house is shut off.
Did You Know?
- Since 1991, the Vancouver Police have shut down over 3000 illegal grow operations, valued at over 3/4 of a billion dollars
- The average value of a grow operation based on potential street value of 350 plants is $230,000
- Less than 20% are owner occupied. The majority are rented resulting in property owners with a huge repair bill
- 99% of Vancouver grow operations are located in residential communities, which pose a huge health & safety threat to neighborhoods due to mold, pesticides and unsafe/illegal electrical wiring
- Grow operations have potential of attracting serious crimes such as home invasions, burglaries, assaults, extortions, kidnappings, shooting and even murders
- Additional electricity is typically stolen through neighboring houses without their knowledge
- Over 85% of marijuana produced in Canada is destined for markets in the United States where they can be sold for an even larger profit
How To Spot A Grow Op:
- Covered windows
- Bright lights
- Heavy condensation of windows
- Skunk-like odor
- Loud noises from equipment
- Vehicles coming/going late at night
- Large quantities of chemical containers left around
- Large amounts of garbage bags being brought in and out of the house
*If you believe that someone in your neighbourhood is running a grow operation, call Grow Busters at 604 717-3456. Please note that all callers can remain anonymous.