COCAINE - ALBERTA-WIDE INCREASE

The overall drug problem in Alberta is down, but cocaine-related
issues are on the rise, according to a recent report by a provincial
task force.

The Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force said offences
involving cocaine increased by 12 per cent last year, according to the
Calgary Sun, versus drops in overall and marijuana drug offences.

The indication that cocaine is the biggest drug problem in the
province echoes local RCMP statistics, which put cocaine-related
issues at the top of the list in terms of cases involving drugs.

Between January and July, Fort McMurray RCMP has recorded 65 open
files and 53 charges for cocaine-related offences, said Const. Tiffany
McGregor.

In comparison, 49 open files and 37 charges have been recorded on
marijuana-related and other drug offences during that period.

No comparable numbers from last year were available, McGregor
said.

The provincial report said Alberta's growing wealth is a contributor
to the rising cocaine problem, but McGregor said the local RCMP
couldn't say if Fort McMurray's population or wealth increase had any
links to the numbers in Wood Buffalo.

"We pursue all charges based on calls for service," she said. "And
that's for any illegal drug, not just a single kind (like cocaine)."