CASEY HAS GOOD NEWS ABOUT DRUG SECTION'S FUTURE

TRURO -- Drug enforcement in northeastern Nova Scotia may be enhanced by
the RCMP not reduced, says MP Bill Casey.

While an RCMP spokesman would not deny rumours suggesting the Northeast
Nova drug section is being redeployed earlier this week, Casey
(Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley) was assured by top brass within
the Mounties Friday "there will be no reduction in access to drug
enforcement personnel."

But there may be a redeployment of resources, Casey said after meeting with
the RCMP's chief superintendent Tom Bennett in Ottawa Friday.

Earlier this week, Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MLA Brooke Taylor raised
concerns when his sources told him it was all but a done deal that six
officers would be redeployed to other sites possibly Halifax and Sydney.

"There's no resources going to Halifax," said Casey. "The same resources
will be maintained in our area."

The public, he said, has been "getting less than half the story" as rumours
circulate through the community.

"It's part of a review of all aspects of service delivery and there's a
good chance it will substantially increase RCMP presence in the Truro and
Bible Hill area." Casey said if the plans unfold as they envision them, the
net result to Truro will be very positive.

Taylor contends his sources are right on this one.

"I am speaking to the people on the ground floor and in the trenches," he
said. "The RCMP have got to come clean."

This is one time Taylor hopes he is wrong but said "I know we're not
overreacting."

The MP is committed to keeping a close eye on the situation.