MILITARY AND COPS WASTING TIME ON POT

In regard to their seasonal search and destroy operations, ("Pot busts with
a military flair", The Weekender Sept. 7), RCMP Const. Andy Rickaby
remarked, "Our sources tell us that the majority of the outdoor pot is
destined for local streets so this operation should translate into a
significant reduction in the amount of the drug getting into the hands of
some of our most vulnerable populations, such as our youth."

It was my understanding, based on earlier RCMP reports, that over 80 per
cent of the B.C. cannabis crop is destined for the United States. That is
to say, B.C. produces so much cannabis that we are able to export most of
it and still meet our domestic demand.

Surely then Const. Rickaby meant to say that this most recent operation,
involving three helicopters and 60 police officers, will prevent an
insignificant amount of cannabis from getting into the hands of American
consumers in exchange for a significant reduction in the amount of U.S.
money getting into the hands of B.C. communities and a slight increase in
unsolved crimes.

Signed: Matthew M. Elrod, Victoria, B.C.