RCMP BACK DRUG SQUAD FOR SASK. NORTH

MLA Says Move Would Help In Battle Against High Suicide
Rate

REGINA -- The RCMP says it's trying new ways to fight the growing drug
trade in northern Saskatchewan.

And the force is very interested in the idea of a drug enforcement
squad dedicated specifically to the region, an idea raised in the
legislature this week, said the RCMP's operations officer for northern
Saskatchewan.

Insp. Randy McGinnis said the RCMP is already implementing a strategy
to have officers from the northern detachments working together to
target the illicit transportation and sale of drugs, alcohol and
contraband, noting the overlap of the criminals involved.

He said that could help pave the way for a dedicated northern
squad.

"Hopefully we'll do this for a year, produce the stats and then be
able to go to government and say, 'OK, not only have the communities
been indicating this is what's been going on, here's what we've been
able to do in an ad hoc way.' Because I'm going to be using members
who are still answering complaints and going to sexual assaults and
stabbings and all that stuff," he said in an interview this week.

The North has high levels of unemployment and poverty. But
Saskatchewan's strong economy is bringing new money throughout the
province, followed by an increase in illicit drugs, said McGinnis.

"The only thing I'm not aware of is heroin, but I think there's
probably the gamut," he said.

In question period this week, NDP MLA Buckley Belanger called for a
northern drug squad as one of a series of measures needed to combat
high suicide rates because of the not uncommon link between substance
abuse and suicide.

Saskatchewan Party Justice Minister Don Morgan said the government
would look at the idea as it puts together next year's provincial budget.

There are integrated drug units in Saskatoon and Regina that combine
RCMP and municipal police officers.

"They're so busy in the major centres they do not have the time to get
up to the northern communities. I would welcome a singly mandated drug
unit for the North. I think it's needed and required," said McGinnis.

"Because we're dealing with smaller communities, a different strategy
is required."