SHEER SCALE OF RCMP DRUG PROBES REVEALED IN REPORT

The sheer scale of police investigations into the trafficking of
illegal drugs and substances in the Comox Valley was revealed last night.

In a written report to Courtenay City Council, RCMP Insp. Tom Gray
said there were no fewer than 134 police drug files open in the first
five months of 2008.

"These files originate in all areas of the Comox Valley and
surrounding areas," he reported.

"Even with the incredible amount of drug investigation experience our
members in the Street Crew Section possess, they are only able to put
a small dent in the amount of drug trafficking taking place in and
around the Comox Valley.

"The amount of investigational time required for these types of
investigations far outreaches the amount of investigational time
available," he states.

Gray cites examples of recent raids, one on a house in Cumberland
where intricate security measures were in place.

"The residence had a total of four operating security cameras
complete with an operating monitor located in a bedroom.

"The residence was also equipped with a monitored alarm system as
well as a police radio scanner."

Gray said such security measures "are becoming more frequently
encountered by our investigators when conducting searches of
suspected drug traffickers."

He paid tribute to his "outstanding" RCMP Street Crew team, the
members of which were "highly committed to identifying and
investigating anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs in
our community."