Law Enforcement Conference to Explore Management of Grow-Ops

Calgary… The community impacts of marihuana grow-ops are being discussed in Banff this week as law enforcement, government and private sector members from across Alberta come together to understand the evolving issue.

The “Evolution and Management of Marihuana Grow-ops” conference runs October 28-30 and provides a forum to outline marihuana legislation, analyze how communities have responded, and explore best practices. The conference is hosted in partnership between Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), Calgary Police Service, and City of Calgary Building Regulations.

“The safety, security and protection of Albertans is our priority and we are committed to addressing the health and safety risks grow-ops pose to our communities,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister Justice and Solicitor General.

“When the Stop Marihuana Grow-op coalition was launched a decade ago, it was critical insight that is not just a policing problem, but a community problem. The issue has never been more complex and serious than it is today and we must leverage every single resource we can to protect the safety of our communities,” said City of Calgary Councillor and ALERT Board of Directors member Diane Colley-Urquhart.

“ALERT dismantled nearly 100 grow-ops last year, but we know the issue is bigger than that. This conference is an important component of law enforcement’s response to grow-ops and demonstrates a commitment from all our partner agencies to work together,” said ALERT Supt. Charmaine Bulger.

The conference’s keynote speaker is Sgt. Jim Gerhardt, a metro Denver drug agent who will explore the implications of Colorado marihuana legalization. Other panel experts include members of law enforcement, municipalities, private sector growers, and the medical community.