COPS LOOK FOR INFO ON DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITIES

Ask not what your community can do for you, but rather what you can do for
your community. Creston RCMP are requesting information about possible drug
trafficking and production locations in the community.

"This is something I identified we could be doing -- getting the community
more involved," Sgt. Mark Fisher said on Tuesday. "This is just one of the
ways we can act to tackle the growing problem of illegal drugs."

To encourage public participation, Creston RCMP have prepared an
information package that is available to residents from either Creston Town
Hall or the RCMP detachment on 16th Avenue. The package includes a form to
report a suspected drug house and information that will help residents
identify whether the house is likely to be the centre of the illegal
activity. Also included is a form to log person and vehicle activity at the
suspected residence.

While Fisher would prefer that those making reports identify themselves,
they can remain anonymous if they choose to do so.

"People need to know what grounds we need to get a search for these
places," said Fisher. "These forms help narrow down what information is
really helpful to us. It makes that information more meaningful."

Fisher said this more formal approach to residents reporting suspected drug
activity is only a part of the strategic plan his detachment has developed
to help address the problem. Creston RCMP members will be taking
specialized courses, which Fisher hopes will help them in their quest to
reduce illicit drug activity.

Among the other tactics planned will be to refer those involved in drug
busts to Revenue Canada.

"This way, they will be informed about illegal revenue people may have
obtained by making and selling drugs," he said.

Creston RCMP hold bi-monthly community policing meetings that allow them to
hear from representatives from outlying communities.

"These meetings used to all be held in Creston, but now we're going to a
different community each time, Fisher said. "These meetings help identify
what the concerns are in different communities."