28 BUSTED IN DRUG SWEEP

While crystal meth may be in the public spotlight, a recent RCMP
undercover operation has found that cocaine is by far the most
prevalent drug on Kamloops streets.

Throughout the month of July, local RCMP units joined some of their
provincial counterparts for a three-week investigation, targeting
street-level drug dealers throughout the city.

Undercover officers made 35 purchases - 33 of which were cocaine, one
of heroin and one of morphine.

"Cocaine, we are finding, is the most commonly dealt substance in the
community," said RCMP Cpl. Fran Bethell.

"We made purchases from as small as .2 grams up to 224 grams . . . in
total we purchased 281.3 grams of cocaine during the three-week project."

The 28 individuals responsible for selling the drugs were from
different areas of the city, but RCMP are not ruling out that there
may be some connection to organized crime.

Drugs were purchased by officers from a variety of locations in
Kamloops, including houses, apartments and businesses, some of which
the RCMP will continue to monitor.

While it may seem odd that no crystal meth was found, the results of
the investigation were not surprising, according to operations officer
Insp. Yves Lacasse.

"Kamloops is like many other cities of its size," he said at
yesterday;s press conference. "Illegal drug trafficking is a problem
in every community, and we are no better or worse in this regard.

"This project confirms what we already knew - drug trafficking
continues to be a problem, and drug traffickers continue to poison our
community."

More than 15 officers were involved, at a cost of $5,500 in drug
payment and approximately $10,000 in other expenses.

About 75 per cent of the drug dealers targeted in the operation were
arrested in the last two weeks, some of whom have since been released
on bail.

Lacasse said the outcome of the investigation will have an immediate
impact on the drug community.

"The dealers will be more cautious . . . our goal is to be proactive
and ensure that we're on the street, and we're going to be watching."

Although RCMP are not able to discuss any future operations they have
planned, citing safety concerns, Bethell made assurances that there
are similar projects in the works.

"We feel this is a really effective enforcement tool, there is every
possibility we may be using this strategy again in the future."