Illicit cannabis grow operations
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While the Cannabis Act came into effect in 2018 to legalize, regulate, and restrict access to cannabis products within Canada, many organized crime groups remain involved in the illicit cannabis market. As such, the RCMP continues to investigate the illegal production, distribution, importation and exportation of illegal cannabis.
How to report it
If you suspect illegal activity in your neighbourhood, do not investigate. Contact the local police.
Common signs of an illicit cannabis grow operation
Property indicators
- Rental buildings are often used to avoid damage to personal property
- Windows are always covered, blacked out
- Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy (such as cameras, multiple locks on doors, "beware of dog" signs)
- Condensation forms on windows due to high humidity levels inside. This may also result in lack of snow on the roof in the winter.
- Skunk-like odour of growing cannabis can occasionally be detected outside
- Little to no garbage or disposal of unusual items (such as fertilizer containers, wiring, PVC piping, numerous pots, soil)
- Noticeable humming of electrical equipment inside
- Power meter tampered with or bypassed
- The use of "props" to deflect suspicion (for example outdoor and/or indoor lights, radio/TV always on, flyers left in the mailbox or on the front steps, children's toys and bikes outside with no children living at the residence)
Behavioural indicators
- Occupants
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- may only be in the building occasionally and for short periods of time
- only access the residence through the garage
- avoid contact with neighbours
- appear secretive about their activities and display paranoid or odd behaviour
- reluctant to allow landlords to inspect the property
- pay rent in cash
- Visitors
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- Unusual visitor behaviour (for example, no visitors, or frequent visitors who arrive during odd hours and/or stay for short periods of time)
Note
Any one indicator may not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice more than one of the following indicators, you should consider notifying the police.
Dangers of illicit cannabis grow operations
- Fire
- Illegal tampering of electrical systems combined with very high electricity usage can cause fires which could spread to nearby buildings.
- Health
- The high humidity and temperatures necessary to grow cannabis can easily lead to the formation of toxic mould and fungus.
- Electrocution
- Electrical bypasses and rewiring performed by unqualified individuals can result in dangerous electrical hazards.
- Poisonous gas and chemicals
- The chemicals used in the production of cannabis can become airborne which can lead to a dangerous buildup of poisonous gases.
- Violence
- Illicit cannabis grow operations are susceptible to being targets of extortion and home invasions. Home invasions for the purpose of stealing cannabis crops are called "grow rips."
- Booby traps
- Booby traps are sometimes used in illicit cannabis grow operations in order to prevent "grow rips." Booby traps may seriously injure or kill unsuspecting visitors or first responders.
- Children at risk
- Children who live in or visit a home where there is an illicit grow operation may be exposed to the dangers and health and safety hazards listed above which can have serious, even fatal, consequences.
Tips for landlords
Many illicit cannabis grow operations exist in rental properties. Buildings are often altered to accommodate the required equipment.
Landlords looking to protect their property should:
- obtain a credit history
- require tenants to provide references
- check the property regularly
For more information on how to protect your property, visit:
Additional resources
For more information on how to identify legal cannabis, and the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis legalization, please visit the following pages:
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