COCHRANE DISTRICT CRIME STOPPERS CLOSE TO $250K WORTH OF DRUG SEIZURES

Timmins Times -- Crime Stoppers has reached a milestone having seized more
than $5 billion in illicit drugs worldwide.

It's a number the local detachment has actively contributed to since its
beginning in 1988.

"It's a milestone for Crime Stoppers internationally and we're very proud
of that," said Marc Depatie of Crime Stoppers.

Although this year's results aren't final so far, Depatie says the
detachment is close to the $250,000 mark for drug seizures in 2004. That's
quite an achievement for local forces, and one that bodes well for the city
as well.

"There's a violent aspect to the drug trade so any blow we can strike
against the drug trade contributes to safer communities," said Depatie.

Although an obvious achievement, there are contributing factors to the
quickly climbing total.

"It's due in part to the fact the price of narcotics has gone up as well as
the lucrative drug grow operations that have become more popular," he said.
"That would be why on a year to year basis our stats are more attractive."

Especially when starting with somebody in a criminal mindset, who isn't too
worried about getting into trouble, the allure of the drug grow trade
continues.

"People find a remote tract of land, drop the seeds and tend to the crops
and if the cops wander on to it when they're not there all they are out is
time and effort," he said.

Two big drug busts in Kapuskasing and Timmins since September have helped
to raise the number for 2004.

The local branch of Crime Stoppers is one of 39 in Ontario. Since its
beginning in 1988, officers have seized almost $4 million in drugs.