DEAL WITH TRAFFICKING PROBLEM

This nation had some of its naivete tragically stripped away last week when
a crazed gunman murdered four RCMP officers outside Mayerthorpe, Alb.

James Roszko, who then killed himself after being injured by RCMP fire, had
long been known and feared in the community, both by residents and police
officers. The question is: How was this tragedy ever allowed to happen in
the first place? Roszko was known to be well-armed, violent and unstable --
a lethal combination that resulted in snuffing out the lives of four young
officers, three of whom were still in their 20s. Const. Peter Schiemann
lived in London for several years.

Hindsight is 20/20, but it's clear Roszko, a man described by his own
father as "the devil," should have been kept behind bars. Previously
convicted for raping a family member repeatedly, Roszko's other memorable
acts include shooting at two people on his property, holding a gun to a
neighbour's head and setting up booby traps around his property. In short,
he was a ticking time bomb -- the justice system should have dealt with him
long ago.

In light of this tragedy, the RCMP and Canada's justice system has a lot to
answer for. Why was Roszko a free man? Why were young RCMP officers sent in
to an explosive situation carrying only revolvers?

In the meantime, Canadians are reminded of the risk police officers face
everyday.

We are also reminded of the deadly dangers caused by the drug trade in this
country. These grow-ops aren't run by your stereotypical peace-loving dope
smokers, they are major, professionally run operations and they need to be
dealt with seriously.

Locally, Huron OPP and the Western Region Drug Enforcement Section seized
$483,000 worth of marijuana at a home in Huron East between Brucefield and
Seaforth last week. Found were 449 marijuana plants, two kilograms of
processed marijuana, cannabis resin and $50,000 worth of growing equipment.

This isn't something that should be shrugged off or sneezed at -- this
country has a drug trafficking problem. Do we have the wherewithal and the
guts to deal with it?