NORTHERN ALBERTA DRUG CRACK DOWN

Rural Alberta's northern RCMP detachments have noticed an increase in
the illegal drug trade and related criminal offences, and as a result
a street level operation was coordinated to crack down on the problem.

Forty one people in seven northern Alberta communities, including High
Prairie, McLennan, Peace River, Fairview, Assumption, High Level and
Fort Vermillion, are facing a total of 84 drug charges.

Spirit River RCMP Sgt. Paul Sowers also indicated that the drug
problem is present in communities in the Central Peace as well.

The same types of drugs as those which were seized as part of the
street level program, crack cocaine, marijuana, hashish and magic
mushrooms are available here as well.

"Our community is not different than any other in Alberta when it
comes to the availability of hard and soft drugs including
methamphetamine," said Sgt. Sowers.

Sowers said crackdowns like those done recently on marijuana growing
operations can come about with assistance of the community. "When a
community decides that they will no longer protect drug dealers and
marijuana grow operators then the information is passed on to police,"
said Sowers.

The local sergeant stressed that solving the drug problem in any
community is similar to putting together a puzzle. Anyone with any
amount of information, no matter how small, may have the final piece
of the puzzle that allows police to act.

Sowers said that people who no longer want to see drug dealers in
their community can do something about it. Information can be provided
without revealing your identity through such programs as Crimestoppers
(1-800-222-TIPS) or by confidentially providing information to the
detachment at 864-3525.

RCMP say that those who feel drugs in the community don't affect them,
should consider the spin-offs of such a problem in their community.
Where there are drug problems there are other crimes including family
violence, spousal abuse, elderly abuse, impaired driving and theft.
Vehicles are often broken into or stolen, and recreational vehicles
such as quad and skidoos are targeted by thieves.

Sowers said "drugs are not a victimless crime," indicating that many
people can be affected by the adverse results.