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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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CN MB: Pot-Heads Protest Tip Pitch
ccguide Saturday 22 Apr 2000 Pubdate: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Contact: Author: Greg Di Gresce POT-HEADS PROTEST TIP PITCH CrimeStoppers urges calls on grow setups By GREG Di CRESCE -- Police Reporter Pot-heads have two words for Winnipeg CrimeStoppers -- butt out. CrimeStoppers has been "relentlessly picking on cannabis choosers," says Winnipegger Chris Buors, who is organizing a May 6 rally on the Legislature grounds to restore "our natural right to drugs and justice." Buors said a recurring CrimeStoppers advertisement has been appearing in a local newspaper asking people to "rat on their neighbours for operating a hydroponic grow operation." CrimeStoppers, initiated by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 1984, gives the police crime tips and the caller an anonymous way to provide information. "You can bet some of the members of the chamber are users," said Buors, a Libertarian party member. "And the only way we can get their attention is by banning their businesses. After all, who wants to do business with someone who wants to make a criminal out of you?" Dave Angus, president of Winnipeg's Chamber of Commerce, said the last time he looked it was illegal to smoke marijuana. "CrimeStoppers is all about enforcement and I don't see that changing," he said. Angus said he isn't about to let crackpot groups and fringe organizations dictate the policies of CrimeStoppers. "However, we are certainly interested in hearing any groups that have legitimate beefs," he said. "Besides, I think in this instance the slam is misplaced. The debate about marijuana is one that should be taking place at the legislative level and not with CrimeStoppers." Winnipeg police Sgt. John Eyer, who co-ordinates the community program, agrees. "As long as the law is in the books we are going to enforce it," Eyer said. Eyer did note that CrimeStoppers pot-busting campaigns have been successful, especially in uprooting grow operations. "Last time we had a major campaign the tips were stacked up like cordwood. I have no doubt it is that kind of success that is at the root of these comments against CrimeStoppers," he said. This year, calls to CrimeStoppers have helped police seize $34,305 in drugs; since 1984 has taken more than $16 million worth of narcotics off the street. - --- MAP posted-by: Greg
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