DRUG PROBLEMS CLARIFIED BY STREET CRIME UNIT HEAD

Is there a drug problem in Shelburne County? Cpl Nancy Mason of the
Street Crime Enforcement Unit recently spoke at the last Police
Advisory Board meeting to address some citizens' concerns that drugs
were running rampant in the community.

"Are their drugs in Shelburne County," asked Cpl. Mason. "Yes,
definitely that is why we have a drug unit."

But, she added that the problem might not be as large as what some may
think.

The majority of drugs seized by the unit at 95 per cent are marijuana.
The rest of the drugs seized tend to be crack-cocaine and ecstasy, a
synthetic hallucinogen most commonly sold in tablet form.

The concern that was raised to the unit however was focused on
prescription drug abuse or more precisely morphine pills.

"It is not something that is running rampant," said Cpl. Mason. "But
it is important to stop any dealings because of its devastating
damage."

Morphine is a heroin derivative that is extremely addictive.

"It is one of the worst substances to kick," said Cpl. Mason. "Once
you start, it is very hard to stop."

She said that while the amount of people abusing this drug seems to be
small, it is also difficult to catch dealers as the pills are so small
and can remain undetected by police.

She said that the unit has focused on getting rid of crack, ecstasy
and illegally used pharmaceuticals as their number one priority
because of its extreme damage to the user.

She said that while the perceived drug problem may seem large the
amount of drug users is much tamer per capita than in other
communities.

"If there was a drug problem you would know it," she said. "There
would be a huge increase in vandalism, theft and break and enters,
something we are not seeing much of in Shelburne County."

But she said that if drug use goes unchecked by both police and the
community that is exactly what could happen in the county.

She said that so much of her job is in intelligence and that it is
helpful community members that can help to keep drugs off the streets.

She added that it is not always easy for the community to come forward
with information.

"Some people feel uncomfortable with this," she said. "But what
people have to understand is this is our community and our backyard
and we all have to play a part in keeping it safe. You have to ask
yourself do you want to be a part of the problem or do you want to be
a part of the solution."

She explained a great act of community participation when someone
stole a physician prescription pad with the intent of obtaining and
selling morphine.

The crime unit team received a complaint of a forged prescription and
was able to catch the criminal through the help of a group of
pharmacists.

"They were aware there was an issue and acted diligently," said Cpl
Mason. "They put a broadcast out to pharmacies throughout South West
Nova Scotia."

This led to the culprit being caught as well as the potential amount
of harmful drugs kept off of Shelburne's streets.

The unit, now on its second year is seeing a reduction in crime as
opposed to last year.

"We are really lucky to have the unit in this community," she said.

The unit had one member moved to another department last year bringing
the team down to three.

"The fourth body did have an impact," she said. "We are running bare
bones now."

She explained that was where the community's role became even more
crucial when solving a case.

"This line of work is entirely intelligence driven and we need the
information from the community," said Cpl Mason. "If people want to
know what a drug problem looks like, it is a huge increase in
crime.something that will happen here if it is not kept checked in
place."