LAW ENFORCEMENT: BUSSON B.C.'S TOP DRUG COP

Langley's loss is B.C.'s gain, as a top-ranking Langley RCMP inspector has
been chosen to head up the province's drug unit.

Criminals throughout the province beware: a local police inspector is
moving on up to kick some butt in the drug trade.

Langley RCMP Operations Officer Insp. Carl Busson has been promoted to
Superintendent and transferred to Vancouver, where he will be in charge of
B.C.'s drug enforcement and awareness program.

"It was a promotion that was tough to turn down," said Busson, who became
second in command at the Langley RCMP detachment in October 1999, after
spending two years with the Surrey force.

Busson, now 46 years old, joined the RCMP in 1974. He has done a lot of
plainclothes work and used to oversee a small drug section combined with a
general investigation section while working in Prince Rupert, but has not
specifically been involved in drug enforcement in his career.

However, Busson says his varied background in police work will be a benefit
to the drug squad.

"I believe the RCMP wants to go in a little different direction. They are
looking for a more multi-faceted approach," he said. "Drugs are often the
key element, but we also have to deal with proceeds of crime, violent
crime: they all revolve around each other."

Having a broader background means that Busson can bring resources from
other areas to the position, which was posted nationally after the previous
Superintendent in charge of B.C.'s drug enforcement retired a few months ago.

Busson's last day with Langley RCMP was Friday, July 27, and he took up the
new posting in Vancouver on Monday, July 30.

"I don't think it's really dawned on me yet," he said of the importance of
his new job. "Once I get down there, I know it will be a very exciting and
dynamic place to work," he told The Advance News on Thursday.

"I really enjoyed my time in Langley," Busson added. "It's a great
detachment to work in and a great community to be in. A lot of people want
to make this a great place to live."

"I'm not sad to go, but I'm not looking forward to leaving," admitted
Busson, a Cloverdale resident who will now be facing a longer ride in to
work every day. "I'm now one of the commuters," he laughed.

Langley RCMP Sgt. Russ Nash will be filling in for Busson on a temporary
basis, and the vacancy will be posted nationally.