MORE POLICING NEEDED

Dear Editor:

Re: Passing the buck on pot, Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW, Sept. 27.

Mr. Colin Walker should address his concerns respecting possible
changes in how the use of marijuana is regulated to the federal
government, as they are the only ones who can do anything about it.
Meanwhile, the rest of us must deal the best we can with the results
of the existing situation.

Like Mr. Walker, I have no doubt that there are at least 800 grow ops
in Burnaby. However, unlike Mr. Walker, I believe that the people who
operate these grow ops are violent and dangerous criminals and that
the people of Burnaby deserve to be protected from them.

I am aware of many reports respecting the type of violence these
people commit against each other and against any one who they believe
might interfere with their activities. We aren't dealing with
pacifist farmers here but rather hardened organized criminals and, as
Mr. Walker indicates, a lot of money is involved - which, of course,
is a further incentive for them to defend their interests aggressively.

I understand that currently only four RCMP officers in the Burnaby
detachment have been assigned to deal with this problem and obviously
it is impossible for them to do so effectively, especially as
apparently they are tied up in litigation most of the time. This just
isn't good enough. More police officers must be assigned to dealing
with what I see as a very serious problem.

Garth Evans

Councillor, City of Burnaby