WEST SHORE DRUG CRIME NOT INCREASING, POLICE SAY

The number of drug possession, drug-trafficking and break-and-enter
charges in the West Shore has mostly decreased or stayed the same in
the past two years, according to police.

Statistics prepared by West Shore RCMP show some types of drug
charges, break and enters and assaults were down in 2007 compared to
2006, while theft from vehicles, of vehicles, and marijuana grow
operations rose slightly in the same period.

The numbers only show charges laid by police, and don't capture the
scope of unreported or unsolved crimes.

Nonetheless, the figures fit with the RCMP's position that crime
rates haven't changed very much in the past three years, said West
Shore RCMP Const. Tasha Adams.

The mayors of Colwood and Langford called on the RCMP to delve into
the West Shore's drug issues last week after the murder of Keith
Taylor in Colwood. Taylor had a long criminal history, including
convictions for drug offences. Highlands Coun. Ken Brotherston, and
his sons Ken Jr. and Greg, have been charged with first-degree murder
and unlawful confinement.

Langford Mayor Stew Young suggested the RCMP create a dedicated drug
squad for the West Shore. Senior Mounties have yet to publicly
respond to the idea.

"Just because we've had a homicide in the area doesn't mean drug
offences have increased," said Adams.

West Shore RCMP already have a street crime unit as part of the
50-officer detachment. However, some of the most experienced street
crime officers have left the Mounties in recent years to work at
municipal police forces.

RCMP statistics show police have laid:

- - 12 charges of trafficking marijuana in 2007, compared to six in 2006

- - 16 charges of production of marijuana, compared to 10

- - 23 charges of possession of cocaine, compared to 30

- - 12 charges of trafficking cocaine, compared to 15

- - 26 charges of "other scheduled drugs," compared to 20.