Updated: Thu Feb. 01 2007 6:47:34 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

In an effort to combat a rapidly increasing problem, Toronto police have launched a hotline for tipsters to report marijuana grow operations.

In 2003, police busted 140 grow ops across the GTA, but that number more than doubled last year to 287.

Officers raided two more large operations in the region last week.

Police say grow ops are a dangerous problem plaguing neighbourhoods. Now, they are asking the public to anonymously report any information on the drug activity so they can shut down the illegal operations.

Both police and members of the Chinese business community are trying to get the word out to residents of Asian descent in particular who may have information on those linked to the organized crimes.

"This line is in Cantonese and Mandarin also, and a lot of people may have language barriers and we would like to ask them to call in," said Joseph Tseng, of the Community Crime Awareness Association.

Liberal MP Dan McTeague feels the "Fight Crime Direct Line" is a step in the right direction, but he feels more needs to be done. McTeague says electrical safety authorities who notice spikes in electricity use should be mandated to report it to police.

"We can pinpoint exactly where people are using unusual levels, high levels, unsafe levels, of electricity," he said. "Chances are there's probably marijuana grow operations."

The hotline number is 416-808-3681. All information will be kept confidential and police won't ask for the caller's identity

With a report from CTV's MairiAnna Bachynsky