RCMP INSPECTOR SAYS DRUG USE IS NOT AT AN EPIDEMIC LEVEL IN
OROMOCTO

The new man in charge of the local RCMP district says he is looking
forward to working in Oromocto.

"I actually asked to come to Oromocto," said RCMP Insp. Mike O'Malley
in a recent interview. "Knowing the community and the area and the
district, I thought it was a good move for myself work-wise but also
for my family as well."

The father of two children said he enjoys the small town feel of
Oromocto and its convenient location near a major New Brunswick city.

O'Malley recently began the top job at RCMP District 2. He takes over
the position at a time when complaints about drug use in Oromocto
have grabbed headlines in recent weeks.

"Are their drugs in Oromocto? Certainly," said O'Malley. "There are
drugs everywhere and that is just the hard reality. I don't think
that we can put our heads in the sand and say there are no drugs in
the community."

But he said he does not think drug use is at epidemic levels.

"Are we doing things to combat drugs in Oromocto and around the area?
Yes, we are," O'Malley said.

For example, he cited recent drugrelated arrests near Oromocto as an example.

Earlier this month, police searched a home in New Maryland and seized
a quantity of marijuana, magic mushrooms and illegal tobacco.

As well, police acting on neighbour reports entered a home in Tracy
and seized 70 plants and indoor growing equipment that same weekend.

"We have to go where the information leads us," O'Malley said. "We
are generating information and it is leading us to areas outside
Oromocto and we are having success there. So is it having an impact
on the amount of drugs that are in Oromocto? I feel safe to say 'Yes, it is'."

He called on people complaining about drug use to supply police with
specific information.

"That is what we need," O'Malley said. "It's one thing to come out
and say there is a problem. But if there is a problem, then what is
the problem? Where is the problem? When is the problem? Who is
causing the problem?"

He said people can contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

O'Malley said police have set priorities for the year of tackling
drugs in the district, making roads safer and reducing break and
enters in the area.

"Those are things that we want to focus on," he said.

O'Malley added the force wants to get things done.

He said the RCMP has an important role in the community.

"The role for the RCMP is to provide policing services to the
citizens of the area," O'Malley said. "Our great mission statement is
safe homes and safe communities and that is really what we are
targeting. If we have safe homes and individuals, then we will have
safe communities as well."

He said citizens can help make their community safer be keeping in
contact with the RCMP.