TIME TO CHANGE THE CRIMINAL CODE

Re: "Townhouse complex raid nets 20 grow ops," Wednesday, March 2.

How discouraged must the Coquitlam RCMP be, after spending five months on
an investigation to close down marijuana grow ops, then apprehending no
suspects because of 24-hour inspection notices issued to tenants.

Not only are the police prevented from eradicating this disease in our
midst by this stupidity, but they are risking their lives for naught. All
their hard work goes up in smoke and the culprits just start up somewhere else.

The killing of four officers near Edmonton is mute testimony to the danger
officers face here and across the country. It's high time our local and
federal governments provided adequate funding to hire enough police
officers to protect the public from the scourge of illegal drugs and other
crimes.

It's long overdue to change the Criminal Code to implement stiffer,
consistent sentences to convicted criminals and deny bail while they await
trial so they cannot continue their illegal activities.

Rita Pollock

Coquitlam