HELP WIN WAR AGAINST DRUGS

Winning the war on drugs is becoming more difficult with each passing
day.

With so much money to be made, organized criminals have moved into the
drug trade in a big way.

In fact, they've set up grow-ops that are protected by helicopters,
booby traps and even drug dealers dressed as police officers.

But the battle can be won, if ordinary citizens get
involved.

A top law enforcement officer made that point during a speech in
Sarnia on Thursday.

OPP Western Region Det. Staff Sgt. Patti Dobbin said tips from the
public are key to getting drugs off the street. That, in turn, will
reduce the overall crime rate.

In other words, instead of grumbling about crime, do something about
it. If you have information that might be of interest to police, give
Crime Stoppers a ring.

Nothing could be easier. You don't have to leave your name or testify
in court. And if your tip leads to a conviction, you could be in for a
cash reward.

As Dobbin points out, even a small piece of information can be useful.
"At times some tips can be a bit vague, but sometimes they can be the
piece of the puzzle you need to make a case," she said.

Local police confirm tips are used regularly to root out drug
suppliers.

Lambton OPP Const. and Crime Stoppers co-ordinator Mark Dew said the
program "is a worthwhile endeavour and it's working in our community.
People have a role to play in making their neighbourhoods safe."

Some of the callers to Crime Stoppers might be criminals themselves.
But more ordinary people need to do the same thing.

So if you see suspicious activity, don't hesitate to give Crime
Stoppers a call.