TRIP SOUTH TURNS POT INTO COKE

Prescription drugs, GHB (a date-rape drug), designer drugs; a number of
drugs are available in Castlegar, but the most common drugs are pot and
cocaine.

The drugs in town relate to the drug trade in the area, said Const. Fran
Bethell. "This is where the marijuana is being grown, indoors and out,"
said Bethell.

Marijuana travels south across the border. Depending on how far south it
travels, marijuana can be traded pound-for-pound for cocaine. That cocaine
then makes it way back here.

Depending on the quality of the marijuana, depending on how far south it
goes, price varies. "Some of our stuff is going as far south as
California," said Bethell. "Down in that area they can get a straight
across swap for coke."

Other drugs can be found in the Castlegar area, perhaps not in the same
quantity as in other areas, yet those other drugs are here. "The other
stuff is out there but it's not as common as pot or coke."