COUNCIL TO LOOK AT RECOVERING COSTS OF CLEANING UP DRUG OPERATIONS IN HOMES

VANCOUVER - Vancouver city council will look next week at an amendment to
city by-laws intended to recoup money from homeowners found to have illegal
marijuana growing operations and clandestine drug labs.

Currently, the city absorbs the $1,700 average cost of cleaning up a grow
op, while the average cost to clean up after a drug lab soars to between
$18,000 and $33,000, according to a staff report to council.

The by-law would shift those costs to the homeowner found to have a grow op
or drug lab on their property.

Surrey, Port Moody, North Vancouver and Chilliwack already have by-laws to
recover costs for dismantling grow ops and drug labs.