MAKING IT TOUGH FOR DEALERS

Strathcona County RCMP's drug unit is continuing to pay
off.

The local enforcement unit has now been patrolling the streets and
investigating the segment of society that Strathcona doesn't like to
admit it has for just more than two years.

And every few months since its inception, we see the outcome of this
unit's hard work.

At the News, we've written about everything from minor possession
charges, to the more serious trafficking charges. But there have also
been major marijuana grow houses that have been busted in our very own
community.

These busts, raids and arrests come from an increased presence from
the drug unit. So you may be reading more headlines about these drug
busts, but it likely has a lot to do with the increased enforcement
and the commitment by the local RCMP to get the drugs and the
associated crime out of our community.

Most recently it was a huge raid last week that netted 1.5 kg of
cocaine and $65,000 cash, pot, guns and much more. Just as important
as getting all of this off the street is the long list of charges that
will keep seven people off the streets if they are found guilty.

Although a dollar figure wasn't released for how much that cocaine
could be worth, the News has had some unofficial sources tell us it
would be worth enough to purchase an exotic European sports car.

It's great knowing drugs with that high of a value are now in the
hands of law enforcement, but it's frightening how much is still
likely floating around out there.

When the drug unit first started in March 2007, police said it would
quickly become much harder to be a drug dealer in Strathcona County.

Two years later, they have a track record with a long list of charges
to back that up.