RCMP 'STING' CREATED A CRIME

Re: "I'm tired of being quiet," Feb. 4

The story about RCMP sting operations reminded me of my experience
about 25 years ago.

I was called to jury duty. The case involved two young, poor Jamaican
men who were charged with bringing drugs into Canada. Evidence showed
that two RCMP officers had gone to Jamaica one January and hung out
at a club where poor kids are likely to be selling marijuana to make
a few dollars.

The officers posed as big-time drug dealers and offered lots of money
if the kids would bring drugs into Canada.

When they were not able to put their hands on drugs, the officers
threatened physical harm.

The kids were able to obtain a small amount of hash oil which they
brought into Canada hoping that would satisfy the demands of the
"drug dealers."

They were arrested upon arrival.

Our jury was horrified at the RCMP actions revealed by the evidence
as the case unfolded and this case forever coloured my view of the RCMP.

Fortunately, we did not have to decide the guilt or innocence of
these kids. Their lawyers managed to arrange a plea bargain which
provided that the sentence would be the time served while awaiting
trial, plus deportation.

Although not a practical solution, I sometimes think that the only
possible solution is to disband the whole RCMP organization and start
from scratch, if we need a national police force.

Bert MacBain

Brentwood Bay