COMPLAINTS LEAD TO NEW METHODS

RCMP Marijuana Eradication Program Reflects Concerns Of Island Residents

RCMP personnel had identified over 200 marijuana sites on Texada and
Lasqueti islands before a marijuana eradication program took place last summer.

According to a letter written to Colin Palmer, chairman of the Powell River
Regional District (PRRD) board of directors, police had identified 150
sites on Texada and 65 sites on Lasqueti. On Texada, 51 sites, which
contained a total of 2,430 plants, were eradicated. On Lasqueti, 25 sites,
which contained a total of 2,100 plants, were eradicated.

The letter, from the RCMP drug enforcement branch, was written in response
to a complaint made by the regional district to the Public Complaints
Commission about some of the actions taken by personnel during the
eradication program which occurred in August 2004. Island residents had
expressed concerns about low-flying helicopters, which frightened
residents, children and livestock as well as caused damage in some homes.
Residents also complained about police entering homes without warrants.

The police said any future planning will include:

* Low-level flying over inhabited areas and those areas containing
livestock be avoided whenever possible.

* Local detachment personnel form part of the planning team and be more
closely involved in the eradication of marijuana in their jurisdiction.

* A structured briefing plan be developed to address the issues as well as
operational issues that have been identified in this and past operations.

PRRD Texada Island director Dave Murphy said he was happy with the RCMP
response. "I think things are going to be different," he said. "If they
were not prudent enough to curtail the abuses from last year for this year,
then there's going to be a heavier price to pay."

Murphy said the Texada Island community understands "there were a few
individuals that got out of hand and that was the result. There was some
misinformation between the different groups."

The Canadian military assisted the RCMP by providing helicopters, pilots
and technicians during the marijuana eradication program.