RCMP STARTS DRUG UNIT

Drug Team Will Clean Up Strathcona Streets

It has become a lot harder to be a drug dealer in Sherwood Park.

That's the message Strathcona RCMP say is being sent with the
formation of a specialized drug enforcement unit, which began
operation last week.

"We want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for dealers who want
to set up shop in Strathcona County," said Insp. Gary Steinke, the
head of the local detachment.

In its first week, the drug unit helped bust a marijuana grow
operation near Hastings Lake. Police seized 112 plants, growing
equipment, two sandwich bags of marijuana and a small amount of
cocaine, with a total street value of over $112,000.

The new drug unit will consist of two full-time members who will be
dedicated to drug enforcement.

Steinke says the new unit drug section will give RCMP the opportunity
to be proactive in enforcement.

"Before we've had to respond and react to these files rather than
going out and gathering intelligence and create our own work," said Steinke.

He also said the drug section will be utilizing the police dog which
is currently being trained and will be on duty this spring.

According to Steinke the drug trade from the urban centre of Edmonton
has been spreading to areas surrounding the city, including Strathcona County.

The drug trade also brings with it several other negative elements.
An increase in drug crimes means an increase in crimes by addicts
like corner store robberies.

"You can't have one without the other," he said.

Steinke also said the new unit will be helpful in creating a "domino
effect" where cases can be given a lot of dedication, which often
exposes more crimes and leads to further charges.

Const. Darren Anderson, media spokesman, said the public is also a
key component in the success of the new drug squad. He said
information that is given to Crime Stoppers is always very helpful
and may lead to the next big bust.

Anderson said the new staff will help front line police officers.
Before, investigations into drug activity sometimes had to be set
aside so front line officers could attend more timely matters. But
now, all drug investigations will go directly to the unit to be handled.

In 2006, there was almost a 10 per cent increase in the number of
drug related charges.

But Steinke says with the new unit, there will likely be even more
charges in 2007.