SPIKE IN GUN SEIZURES CONNECTED TO DRUG TRADE: POLICE

When body armour-clad West Van police officers recently executed a
search warrant inside the International Plaza they recovered, among
other things, a loaded .357 calibre handgun and bullet-proof vest.

The police investigation had started after a 911 call about a gun shot
on the Squamish Nation's Capilano Reserve one evening in May.

WVPD officers were assisted by the Integrated Gang Task Force when
arresting a 22-year-old man who was later charged with unauthorized
possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm and several
other charges.

It seems guns aren't just a problem on the streets of inner-city
Toronto or downtown Vancouver.

Guns -- handguns and rifles -- are becoming criminal chic, an
all-too-common accessory item for lawbreakers, even in the suburbs.

In 2005, West Van police seized a total of 17 firearms or imitation
guns in relation to criminal activity or other charges, ranging from
unsafe storage to possession of a prohibited weapon. Police also
received another 16 firearms that were turned in by citizens last year
for destruction.

"In West Vancouver we see a relatively low number of firearms offences
but the rise of gun violence in the Lower Mainland is certainly of
concern to us," said WVPD Sgt. Paul Skelton. "One firearm offence is
one too many."

Not surprisingly, firearms are an almost-essential tool of the trade
for those operating grow-ops and meth labs. It's a high-risk illicit
business that can often bring other criminals to the doorstep looking
for a quick score. Guns offer protection -- and an increasing danger
to police officers and innocent bystanders.

District of North Van Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn, who spent 30 years in
law enforcement mostly in downtown Vancouver, said the spike in
handgun use is a direct by-product of the growing drug trade.

"If you mix handguns with crystal meth or cocaine you have a recipe
for disaster," said the former VPD member.

And the North Shore isn't immune to drugs -- or the guns inextricably
linked to the lucrative trade. "If you look at what's happening on
North Lonsdale they have a huge drug problem," MacKay-Dunn said.

Skelton agreed. "Usually guns and the illegal drug trade go hand and
hand."

When West Van's target team recently dismantled a marijuana operation
at a home on Eyremount Drive, in addition to the dope they
confiscated, they also bagged several rounds of .22 calibre ammunition.

Most recently, on New Year's Eve, police responded to a shots-fired
call at the Capilano Reserve and later arrested three men, two of whom
have been charged with attempted murder. A handgun was seized.

Sometimes it is nearly impossible to trace the provenance of an
illegal gun, explained Skelton.

In the case of the handgun recovered from the apartment at the
International Plaza, police investigators were unable to trace the
gun's origin or how it came into the hands of the accused.

Even though the incidents of gun-violence in West Van pale by
comparison with other cities in Canada, Skelton said officers must
always be cautious. "West Vancouver is a very safe community, however,
criminals are transient in nature and we do have several major
transportation arteries here such as the Trans-Canada Highway, Lions
Gate Bridge and BC Ferry terminal."

Skelton said that it is not mandatory for officers to don Kevlar vests
but most -- especially the newer recruits -- wear them as a regular
part of the uniform.

"Gun violence happens on the spur of the moment," Skelton said. "It
can happen anywhere, anytime."