COUNCILLORS CALL FOR MORE COPS

Record-breaking drug busts in Richmond highlights the city's need for
more cops, according to local councillors.

Organized crime reared its ugly head last month when B.C.'s largest
ever ecstasy bust was made on River Road in Hamilton.

While congratulating the RCMP on its investigation, Coun. Derek Dang,
speaking on behalf of the Richmond First Team, said the raid displayed
the need for more public safety resources.

"The RCMP and (its) integrated teams deserve to be commended for their
actions in taking down this massive drug lab and wiping out this
blight on our community," said Dang.

"But if there's one thing this bust shows us, it's that the RCMP
deserves increased resources to keep our growing community safe from
the tentacles of organized crime."

On June 20 Richmond RCMP busted a drug lab at 21880 River Rd., finding
more than one million pressed tablets, believed to be ecstasy, and two
automated pill-making machines.

On site, officers also discovered explosives and nine semi-automatic
weapons, forcing the evacuation of surrounding residences.

Evidence was also found indicating that the drugs were set to be
exported around the world to various drug rings.

A few days later, two more drug houses were raided at 23281 Gilley and
8440 Odlin Crescent, and police found two marijuana grow-ops and more
explosives.

"While drug labs are certainly a threat to the public, the bigger
safety risk here appears to be the presence of explosives and
semi-automatic weapons," said Coun. Bill McNulty.

"No Richmond resident should stand for that level of danger living in
their community, let alone in the house next door."

More resources require to be ploughed into Richmond RCMP and its
integrated teams, says said former councillor and current council
candidate Kiichi Kumagai.

"It's very disturbing to me when residents do not feel safe in their
own neighbourhood."