RCMP WEBSITE COULD HAVE FLAWS

The RCMP's latest "tool in the toolbox" used to fight illegal drugs
was unveiled recently -- a website that lists the addresses of
residences and businesses where marijuana grow-ops or illegal drug
labs have been located.

In a news release, Conservative MP Shelly Glover explained the
rationale behind the National Grow Initiative, part of the
government's National Anti-Drug Strategy.

"(Marijuana) grow operations pose a serious threat to Canadians, the
safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers fighting
against these illegal operations," she said. "The government of Canada
is taking action to combat illicit (marijuana) cultivation in Canada,
as well (as) the organized crime elements behind it."

In B.C., the RCMP black list only features about 60 addresses
scattered throughout the province, although as of earlier this week
none were in Kamloops -- or even in the immediate area, for that matter.

By far, Surrey is the biggest offender with 26 addresses listed where
police discovered anywhere from 30 to 2,436 pot plants. Burnaby was
next with nine addresses on the black list, with Mounties seizing from
18 to 1,298 plants.

Closer to home, there were two busts in 100 Mile House where a total
of more than 3,000 marijuana plants were discovered. There's a single
address from Clearwater on the list with 860 plants. But the biggest
bust by far came from an address in Hope, where police seized more
than 6,400 plants from a residence and various outbuildings.

Obviously there will be great interest in the list, since nobody wants
to make the largest investment of their lives purchasing a former
grow-op, which often carry health and other issues that tend to
devalue the property.

But one must question the value of a black list that is incomplete, or
even worse, possibly inaccurate.

Indeed, the website contains various provisos that could bring the
list into question. Here's just one: "The addresses posted may have,
at one time, been the address at which a marijuana grow operation
and/or a clandestine laboratory may have been located. While the RCMP
has made all reasonable efforts to be accurate, this information is
not warrantied. Some addresses may have been erroneously included in
this list."

Good grief, imagine having your place listed in error. What would
family and friends have to say? How would a mistake like that affect
the value of your house?

If the RCMP wants to publish this kind of black list, it must be
complete and there should be no doubt about the accuracy of their
information. There is no room for error when a mistake can have
potentially disastrous consequences for otherwise innocent homeowners.