GROW-OP OFFENCES JUMP 130%

Drugs Lead To Gangs: Police

Abbotsford police worked on 95 per cent more grow-op related cases in
2009 compared to 2008 as part of their efforts to crack down on gangs
and drugs, according to a report released by the department.

Numbers, APD spokesperson Const. Ian MacDonald said, that reflect the
increased workload the department's drug section is taking on.

"In 2008, the drug enforcement unit did less oversight and mentoring,
but they made that part of their mandate in '09, and I think that
speaks specifically to our identification of the connection between
drugs and gangs," he said.

MacDonald said the math on the issue is simple; drugs lead police to
gang members.

"We identified [the link] as a much-needed priority for us and that's
why you see that spike in workload."

APD statistics show drug arrests rose by eight per cent between 2008
and 2009, with a 24 per cent increase in controlled drugs and
substance act offences in the same time period.

Production offences rose 130 per cent, trafficking climbed by 19 per
cent and charges for possession increased by 14 per cent, results,
MacDonald said, that didn't just come from more than routine, prudent
paperwork.

"It includes kicking in doors, but it also includes intelligence
gathering, and assistance on drug-related files from patrol... we
have to be actively involved if we're going to effectively target
gangsters," he said.