More grow ops found in west-end building

Bust earlier in the week netted 850 plants

Toronto Star, March 11, 2004

By Curtis Rush


Toronto police have uncovered four more marijuana grow operations in the apartment buildings on West Lodge Ave., bringing to 12 the number discovered in that apartment complex in the past week.

Earlier this week, police were led to 103 and 105 West Lodge Ave., in the Queen St. and Lansdowne Ave. area in the west end of Toronto, by a break-in and discovered the first grow operations in the two buildings.

Yesterday, the vice squad continued their investigation and seized 400 plants valued at $200,000. Another $30,000 worth of hydroponic grow equipment was seized.

Earlier in the week, about 850 plants ranging in size from two feet to six feet and worth $400,000 were seized, along with about $50,000 in operating equipment.

Police say that in the latest about $75,000 in property damage was caused to the units by changes to the ventilation and exhaust systems. This is on top of the $150,000 in structural damage caused in the previous units, police said.

No arrests have been made.



West Lodge Parkdale Toronto Tenants Association