DRUG SEIZURE HIGHLIGHTS NEED

Nearly 200 pounds of cocaine were seized at Cascade over the weekend
by Border Services Officers.

Estimated to be worth $6.5 million dollars, the bust is the largest
ever in the Okanagan/West Kootenay district.

Kudos should be forthcoming to both Border services and the RCMP for
working together on this case, and specifically, the Border Services
Officer who first identified the potential risk. That person should
be commended.

That said, even though the public is pleased that a large quantity of
cocaine has been seized, many residents are wondering just how common
drug busts are at our local border crossings these days?

Illegal drug trafficking is profitable, and it appears that a handful
of people in every community are prepared to take the risk of
trafficking drugs. There is money to be made, regardless of the human
cost. Drug trafficking is often incestuously connected to other
crime. And to know that our local border crossings are occasionally
used by organized crime syndicates is sobering.

How many times have drug traffickers made it across the border
unscathed, unchecked? How many kilograms of cocaine, heroin or other
drugs (have) been moved between the United States and Canada? Is
that truck ahead of you carrying illegal drugs, or heaven forbid,
illegal weapons?

It is not clear where the drugs originated from yet, but all
indications point to powerful organized crime networks. Organized
criminals may be looking at small border crossings like ours as
potential points of entry. But thanks to the good work of Border
Services, maybe they will think again.

A drug bust like the one that occurred at Cascade this last weekend
is significantly different than the bust on a small, outdoor
marijuana grow operation in the backyard of uncle and auntie so-and-so's place.

Serious crime does occasionally take place here. Drug trafficking is
not uncommon. But having the appropriate resources available to deal
with the ever-resourceful criminals is something every community
needs to contend with. It's not enough to simply rely on Border
Services or the RCMP. Maybe neighbourhood watches need to be
re-established. Maybe extra diligence is required from members of the
public. Maybe city council and the regional district need to review
their mandates and help provide resources. Undoubtedly, it's time
that this community provides a strong message: criminal activity will
not be tolerated in our area.