TURNING UP THE HEAT ON DRUG USE

The RCMP, including the detachments in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Elk
Valley and Invermere are part of the strategy and recently joined
forces to conduct a number of searches that resulted in several busts
throughout the region.

In a recent four week period, 15 searches were conducted in several
East Kootenay communities including Cranbrook and Kimberley, resulting
in the seizure of 1,500 cannabis plants, 45 kilograms of marijuana
bud, cocaine, two firearms, thousands of dollars worth of growing
equipment and a large quantity of cash.

As a result of the coordinated busts, some 22 people are facing
charges, including two Americans, who were arrested and returned to
the U.S. Charges include simple possession, production of a
controlled substance, possession for the purposes of trafficking and
trafficking.

Tips from various sources were responsible for the busts of the grow
operations.

The RCMP point out that the wiring required to run a grow operation
often doesn't follow Code regulations and is therefore dangerous. In
one instance, BC Hydro had to attend in order to safely dismantle the
grow operation.

In two residences, evidence of small fires were found where grows were
in operation. Pesticides were used in all the grows, creating a
dangerous situation where children were involved.

In one situation, the Ministry of Children and Families had to be
called in because of the unsafe condition of the residence.

The RCMP say several of those arrested have ties to larger criminal
organizations. In one case, police also found evidence of a
methamphetamine lab. Production of meth is very dangerous and the
residual is highly toxic and is often scattered around in unsafe
conditions or just dumped.

Police are also using education to try to curb drug use and reduce
substance abuse. This is done through community mobilization and a
number of youth programs like the P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk
Related Trauma in Youth) Program and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education).

Each program provides youth with information to make better
choices.

Cst. Al Nutini of the RCMP Southeast District Office says the police
are unrelenting in their efforts to reduce drug use, especially among
young people.

"As a police force, we will continue our efforts to prevent and reduce
drug use and abuse in our communities. We want to work with the
community and within the parameters of the law to prevent further
drug-related tragedies.

"These tragedies are predictable and preventable. Let's make them a
thing of the past."