DEALING WITH DRUGS

Drug Use And Drug Trafficking Are Issues Which Continue To Affect Our
Community.

Over the past week, police have made arrests in two separate drug
trafficking incidents.

In one case, five people were arrested and a quantity of cocaine,
money and drug paraphernalia was seized.

In a second instance, two people were arrested and 2.5 kilograms of
marijuana was seized.

This is a substantial amount of the drug.

While the marijuana seizure took place in Penticton, it also affects
us here since a Summerland resident was one of the people arrested.

The cocaine seizure, which occurred in Summerland, should also have
us concerned.

Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug which can have some serious
long-term consequences.

There are also other incidents of drug trafficking in Summerland.

Last month, crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine were seized in
a drug bust which occurred in Summerland.

These incidents and others should reinforce that drug trafficking
isn't just something that happens in other communities.

It's happening right here and people from our community are involved.

A drug task force is in place and is raising awareness of drug use locally.

In addition, the community has identified drug activity as a problem
in Summerland and as a result, the police have been addressing drug violations.

But despite their efforts, drug use and drug trafficking are continuing.

Left unchecked, the number of drug use and drug trafficking incidents
will increase.

If anyone has a tip about drug trafficking, please call the
Summerland RCMP at 494-7416 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.