DRUGS FINDING THEIR WAY TO NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

Police are fighting a losing battle against contraband drugs and alcohol
in part because not every bag moving through every airport in northwestern
Ontario can be screened.

The reality is only bags leaving Thunder Bay and destined for other major
airports are x-rayed and screened, explained Wasaya Airways president and
CEO Tom Morris.

Morris was speaking at the Chief's Forum on Social Issues and Answering
the Call for Help: Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse in our Communities
conferences at the Thunder Bay, Feb. 10.

X-rays and scanning are done at 29 airports across Canada under the
direction of Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

If more bags were screened, more contraband would be found and less drugs
and alcohol would end up in First Nations, Morris said.

"Given the supply of goods and services entering into remote First Nations
communities occurs almost exclusively by air transportation, it is
reasonable to request and expect regional air carriers to work in
partnership with First Nations to assist in the slowing distribution,"
Morris said. "We acknowledge substance abuse is vast, complex and impacts
negatively on many lives. It is both a policing and social problem that is
not limited to First Nations Territories or its peoples."

Morris identified several options which could help prevent the transport
of contraband into communities. These include utilizing x-ray and scanning
technologies in place at Thunder Bay; purchasing x-ray and scanning
technology independently and establishing screening stations at departure
point airports; getting trained alert dogs; search and seizure checks on
both checked and carry-on baggage and cargo; mandatory photo
identification requirement for cargo and freight shipments; and search and
seizure procedures on First Nations lands.

Even if the technology were in place to scan every bag, there is no legal
justification to do so, Morris said, because of Section 8 of the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

One way to get around the searching issues is to institute a written and
posted policy about it, Morris said.

"Public signage and disclaimers on air-way bills and corporate websites
stating that at the request of First Nations serviced by Airline ABC, all
cargo and freight will be subject to searches for contraband and refusals
to consent to searches will result in refusal of carriage," Morris said.

A second possible solution for communities could come in the form of a
band council resolution, which legally, may operate outside the confines
of the Charter.

"If BCR's have authority outside of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and
searches can be conducted within the First Nations, this avenue provides
the path of least resistance," Morris said.

"It is apparent that many perceived solutions are complicated by legal
issues involving search and seizure laws. However by working in
partnership there are strategies that can be employed within short
timelines that will assist in the goal of reducing the flow."

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Det. Const. Brade Duce also spoke during the
contraband session.

In his presentation, Duce spoke about what smugglers are doing and the
lengths they are going to not get caught.

Cans and bottles are being found with hollowed out compartments and full
of drugs, Duce said.

Duce said one of the most important roles to community residents is to
report to the police or band constables if they hear a shipment of
contraband is coming in to the community.