RCMP seeking public’s help with marijuana grow-ops

It’s nearing harvest time for marijuana crops and the RCMP on P.E.I. is calling on Islanders to help them find the illegal cash crops. The national police force discourages members of the public from actually investigating potential marijuana crops themselves, as the crops are sometimes guarded or are protected with traps, but they want concerned individuals to be on the lookout. “Often people will notice unusual activity that can be an indicator that a grow operation is nearby and officers are happy to take your information and investigate,” an RCMP release indicates.

“Illegal grow operations are often managed by criminals who do not value the land on which they grow the drugs nor the people they sell the drugs to for a profit at the detriment of our youth and neighbourhoods. If you see something, say something,” the RCMP report urges. Calls can be made to any RCMP detachment or to P.E.I. Crime Stoppers, 1-800-2228477(TIPS). Tips that lead to a conviction could be eligible for a cash reward.

The police are asking Islanders to leave the area and contact them if they observe unusual vehicle traffic or parked vehicles in an area, trespassing into fields, fertilizer or fertilizer bags or anything else out of the ordinary, or if they come across marijuana plants. The plants can grow three to six feet in height. The plants are bright green in colour, have seven jagged leaves on each stalk and their odour is described as similar to a skunk.