DRUG BUSTS LESSEN CRIME

Each year, the Powell River RCMP increase efforts to deal with the illegal
harvest of outdoor-grown marijuana. The sites are generally identified
through RCMP resources such as aircraft and marine vessels, as well as tips
from the public.

So far this fall, a total of 560 plants have been located and destroyed as
a result of this initiative. On average, the plants are worth $1,000 each,
for a total dollar value of $560,000. Police suspect that much of this
product is destined for use within Powell River. They also claim that a
large proportion of street-level crime can be directly linked to the
marijuana trade.

Although the nature of the sites often makes identifying the person
responsible difficult, simply preventing the drugs from making it to the
street has a positive effect on dealing with local crime.

As an indication of the potential impact on the community, 560 plants can
produce 47,040 grams of marijuana. At four grams per marijuana cigarette,
that would produce 188,160 cigarettes. That, in turn, would supply each of
the 1,472 secondary-school students in this town with 128 marijuana
cigarettes: or one joint a day for a four-month period.

According to the RCMP, this type of effort takes place each year throughout
the province with similar results. Tips from the public play an important
role in this endeavour. Should someone come across a grow site, or have
information relating to this matter, they are asked to contact the RCMP or
CrimeStoppers.