DRUG COP PAINTS GRIM PICTURE OF ACTIVITY IN DISTRICT

When the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture held its annual spring
banquet in Emo on Friday, the conversation understandably centered on
crops, livestock, and markets.

But one guest speaker was focused on entirely different crops and
markets--some of which are making inroads into Rainy River District.

OPP S/Sgt. Brian Brattengeier, a member of the Tri-Force-Kenora Joint
Forces Drug Unit, made it quite obvious he is in no danger of being out of
work anytime soon.

S/Sgt. Brattengeier previously had appeared at the annual meeting of the
Rainy River District Municipal Association and the message he gave then is
still valid, if not more so.

"[The drug situation] is worse now than when I started," he told the
crowded banquet hall at the Emo Legion. "They [drugs] are real, they are
here, and they are in your neighbourhood."

S/Sgt. Brattengeier said marijuana still is the most commonly found drug in
the district, with cocaine/crystal meth second and pills third. But the
latter is becoming more popular.

"Pills are becoming the drug of choice," he noted. "They're here already
and very popular in parts of Northwestern Ontario."

He said pharmaceuticals such as oxycontin are appearing more and more
frequently on the street--partly because they are available by
prescription. But in some cases, they are the target of robberies and
break-ins at pharmacies.

However, marijuana grow-ops remain the major law enforcement challenge for
S/Sgt. Brattengeier and his colleagues.

S/Sgt. Brattengeier said there are about 15,000 grow-ops in Ontario and
undoubtedly some are right here in Rainy River District. The reason is
simple: the quality of the product is high (up to 20 percent THC) and there
is a huge market for it just across the river.

"The United States wants Canadian 'bud,'" he explained.

Another problem, S/Sgt. Brattengeier said, is the task force's
investigation has shown the drugs often are not sold for cash. Rather, they
are traded for weapons and cocaine, which then make their way back here.

"One pound of pot will trade for one pound of cocaine," he remarked.

Grow-ops also generate a huge social cost, he noted. Vast amounts of hydro
are stolen from the grid--contributing to higher costs for all consumers.

Furthermore, because of the damage caused by molds, chemicals, and fires,
insurance cost also are increasing.

But with the huge profit margins available, grow-ops are becoming a more
and more attractive investment and that, said S/Sgt. Brattengeier, is where
the public can make a difference.

"Be on the lookout," he advised. "Look for a house that looks unoccupied,
has strange smells coming from it, or has covered windows."

By the same token, crystal meth also is a tempting proposition for some
since it is relatively cheap to manufacture and, again, the profit margins
are huge.

S/Sgt. Brattengeier said meth labs are more difficult to detect until
something goes wrong. Then the whole neighbourhood knows.

"Houses are blowing up all over southern Ontario," he remarked.

Once again, his message was be vigilant. If you become aware of any
suspicious activity that may be drug-related, contact the task force at
1-807-475-0198 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

You also can reach the OPP at any time at 1-888-310-1122.