SPIKE IN DRUG BUSTS REPORTED

OPP Notes Cocaine A Continuing Problem

Police are cracking down on cocaine dealers in the city in hopes of
reducing violent and property crime.

"There were 18 separate counts of trafficking cocaine in July, which
is more than we did in a three-year period," said Orillia OPP Insp.
Jim Szarka, referring to statistics dating back to 2002. "We are
still battling with escalating violent crime and a lot more
drug-related activity."

In the first seven months of this year, there were 516 violent
offences and property crimes.

In the same period in 2005, there were 394 such offences.

The statistics were provided by Szarka for the Orillia Police
Services Board, which met at the local detachment yesterday for its
first meeting since breaking for summer.

One member of the board commented on three charges related to cannabis.

"Doesn't anyone smoke weed anymore?" asked board chair Don MacNeil.

Szarka explained: "I've asked for a greater focus on the types of
drugs that have a direct link to violent crime."

On one of the busiest days in court this year, Orillia OPP officers
had to guard 38 prisoners, Insp. Jim Szarka reported yesterday.

Four days this year - one in each of February, March, April and June
- - were designated as DNA court dates.

Legislation requires certain convicted criminals to surrender DNA
samples, although they are entitled to a hearing to challenge it.

Orillia was selected as one of the courts to handle the hearings.

A larger number of prisoners than usual, many of whom were not from
the area, appeared before the local court, increasing the number of
officers needed to secure the area.

While court was in session, two to four constables, and often a
special constable, were assigned to supervise.

The total cost for the wages of police court staff for the four DNA
dates was about $2,830.