Police Team-Up for Marihuana Eradication Efforts

KITCHENER, ON, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - Over the past few weeks, nine Police Services partnered together to execute Project OSABOT; a multi-jurisdictional eradication program covering areas of Southwestern Ontario.

For the duration of the project, police officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Waterloo Region Police Service (WRPS), Guelph Police Service, Stratford Police Service, Owen Sound Police Service, Saugeen Shores Police Service, West Grey Police Service, and Hanover Police Service combined resources to conduct the operation.  The objective of Project OSABOT was to seize and destroy marihuana located from outdoor grow operations.  The operation was coordinated by the RCMP and conducted throughout the multiple jurisdictions of the participating Police Services.

The production and possession of marihuana are offences contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).  During the planning phase, the participating Police Services shared information and intelligence gathered from numerous sources.  A large number of outdoor marihuana grow sites were identified throughout the jurisdictions.  A combination of human and technical resources were committed by all participating agencies thereby maximizing the effectiveness of this operation.  By the end of the week, marihuana plants with a potential street value worth over 22 million dollars were successfully located, seized, and destroyed.

"The information and intelligence received from concerned citizens is extremely valuable for the success of this program. Citizens with information pertaining to marihuana grow sites or any other illegal activity are encouraged to provide this information to police. The program, Crime Stoppers, is another option for the public to pass on information to police and remain anonymous," said Sergeant Gary BOUTILIER of the RCMP Kitchener Detachment Drug Section.  Crime Stoppers may be reached at 1-800-222-TIPS.

For further information:

Constable Laurence YIM
RCMP Kitchener Detachment - Media Relations
[phone], Extension 235; or

Sergeant Gary BOUTILIER
RCMP Kitchener Detachment - Drug Section
[phone], Extension 308