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OTTAWA–Some marijuana growers are going to have to find themselves a new equipment supplier – the federal government has closed up shop.
Scott Brison, the minister of public works and government services, has stopped all sales of equipment seized in marijuana grow operations after learning that drug dealers were buying the gear back at public auctions.
"When I became aware of the situation I decided to put an immediate freeze on any transactions of this nature," he told the Commons yesterday.
"There will be no reselling of this type of paraphernalia or equipment that is used in hydroponic grow operations," he said.
Brison acted after getting a letter from York police Chief Armand LaBarge this week complaining that equipment found at a marijuana growing operation in Whitchurch-Stouffville in August had been seized by police before.
An investigation found that the scales, fans, generators and dehumidifiers had been sold at government auctions after being seized by police in York and Halton regions and London, Ont., over the last few years.
LaBarge said it was "appalling" that the confiscated gear was being resold at "bargain basement prices."
He urged Brison to change the Seized Property Management Act so that these items are destroyed rather than sold to the public.
OTTAWA BUREAU
BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH
Copyright Toronto Star Newspapers Limited
The Toronto Star - Breaking News, Toronto News, Ontario News, Canada News
Scott Brison, the minister of public works and government services, has stopped all sales of equipment seized in marijuana grow operations after learning that drug dealers were buying the gear back at public auctions.
"When I became aware of the situation I decided to put an immediate freeze on any transactions of this nature," he told the Commons yesterday.
"There will be no reselling of this type of paraphernalia or equipment that is used in hydroponic grow operations," he said.
Brison acted after getting a letter from York police Chief Armand LaBarge this week complaining that equipment found at a marijuana growing operation in Whitchurch-Stouffville in August had been seized by police before.
An investigation found that the scales, fans, generators and dehumidifiers had been sold at government auctions after being seized by police in York and Halton regions and London, Ont., over the last few years.
LaBarge said it was "appalling" that the confiscated gear was being resold at "bargain basement prices."
He urged Brison to change the Seized Property Management Act so that these items are destroyed rather than sold to the public.
OTTAWA BUREAU
BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH
Copyright Toronto Star Newspapers Limited
The Toronto Star - Breaking News, Toronto News, Ontario News, Canada News
