POLICE BUST 13 MARIJUANA GROW OPS

"Drugs remain the first targeted priority for the Clearwater RCMP,"
Sgt. Stu Seib reported to Clearwater council Tuesday evening.

During 2008 the local detachment took down 13 grow operations, seizing
2,901 marijuana plants.

In addition, the detachment members took the following drugs off the
streets: 33 kg (72 pounds) of dried bud, 292 gm hash, 21 grams of
cocaine, as well as small quantities of crack, ecstacy, viagra, and
crystal meth, steroids, hash oil and morphine. Also of note, 130
tablets of oxycodone were seized. This is a narcotic analgesic that is
commonly prescribed for heart conditions.

The wholesale street value of the drugs seized exceeds
$3,360,000.Police seized $143,000 in cash as proceeds of crime,
several illegal firearms (hand guns and rifles) were seized, along
with one set of body armor, plus 25 cases of cigarettes (1,250 cartons
or $150,000 seizure).

Clearwater detachment successfully seized one property near Vavenby as
proceeds of crime and has two more held pending trial outcome.

"A second priority that both General Duty and Traffic Services has
focused on, in an effort to reduce carnage on our highways, is that of
targeting drinking and driving, and aggressive driving," said Seib.

Last year saw 30 drivers charged with drinking and driving, and 74
twenty-four hour suspensions issued to those who had been drinking,
but were lucky enough to blow under the legal limit before charges
could proceed.

"Clearwater detachment has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and
driving, and those who ingest drugs and then drive," said the
sergeant. "If you are pulled over and are over the legal limit, you
will be charged, period. There is no reasonable excuse to be driving
when under the influence."

In 2008, Clearwater RCMP dealt with one fatal crash, 25 injury
crashes, and 174 property damage crashes for a total of 200 crashes in
our detachment area. Of these, only three crashes involved alcohol
(1.5%).

The third priority for the detachment members is working with the
youth of the area.

The School Liaison Program is in full swing, with members making
regular visits to all local schools. DARE (drug and alcohol resistance
education) will start at Raft River Elementary this month.

Clearwater is now at full strength, with five general duty officers
and three in traffic services. Clearwater RCMP detachment answered
approximately 2,000 calls for service during the year.