POLICE WORK LAUDED

Ed. note: This statement was released this week, congratulating the
RCMP for their work in seizing 4.95 kilograms of cocaine and 41
kilograms of marijuana last Saturday.

On behalf of the Yukon government, I applaud the RCMP's efforts in
addressing substance abuse in our communities.

Through their efforts over the weekend, the RCMP has significantly
reduced the amount of drugs - and the harm that they do - in Yukon
communities.

Clearly, the seizure of this magnitude of illicit drugs demonstrates
the RCMP's commitment to public safety, and this is a commitment our
government shares.

To this end, last December, the Yukon government announced it would
provide funding for RCMP crime reduction initiatives targeting
street-level drug and alcohol offenders.

In addition to this partnership, the Safer Communities and
Neighbourhoods office has recently opened and has already posted a
number of eviction notices.

"In the near future, Yukon will also open a community wellness court
that will ensure that those individuals who become involved with the
law, because of their addictions, can receive court-monitored treatment.

We are going to provide treatment for Yukoners with addictions. We
want to bring help, healing and hope for the offender, the victims and
for our communities.

"Yukoners want to feel safe. We have responded with these and other
initiatives to create safer communities and to deal with alcohol and
drug abuse.

Enforcement is one of the strategic directions of our Substance Abuse
Action Plan, and I thank the RCMP for their excellent work and dedication.

Marian C. Horne,

Minister of Justice, Government of Yukon,

Whitehorse