MOUNTIES ESTABLISH TRUCKERS' TIP LINE TO COMBAT CROSS-BORDER DRUG
SMUGGLING

The RCMP has set up a new toll-free hotline for B.C. truckers to
provide tips on cross-border drug smuggling.

Cpl. Norm Massie, of the RCMP's border integrity unit, said police
have seen an increase in recent years in B.C. commercial truckers
being approached by gangs to smuggle marijuana into the U.S.

Several have been caught by U.S. authorities and are serving lengthy
prison sentences in the U.S.

"We want truckers to be aware: You will be caught," said Massie. "The
consequences are just not worth the risk."

Massie encouraged anyone with information on drug smuggling by
truckers to call the tip line, including truckers who are approached
by gang members and don't know what to do.

All tips will be kept anonymous, said Massie.

The hotline -- 1-888-598-#### -- has been running since Sunday and has
already received three "very useful" tips, said Massie.