DRUG SQUAD TAKES A HIT

Just One City Police Officer Left In The Unit For Next Two Months

The Edmonton police drug unit has been temporarily depleted to one
officer with a number of cops being moved to other "high-priority"
sections. Critics charge it's an invitation for drug dealers and
crime to go through the roof.

"Morale's at an all-time low," said a police source. "All the crime
is drug driven. All the guys who buy drugs are the ones doing the crime."

Two detectives from the squad were moved to internal affairs but soon
are expected to return, sources said. Up to eight others have been
moved to homicide and other investigational sections where their
expertise is needed.

Edmonton Police Association vice president Tony Simioni said the move
worries the union that represents cops.

"We're always concerned about the erosion of services that we
provide," said Simioni. "How far do you go before you dismantle things?"

Simioni said the reassignments are for 60 days.

Some officers worry that the move gives criminals the ticket to set
up shop in the city because no one's keeping the heat on them.

The drug squad is usually out on the street, developing sources,
learning who's trafficking drugs and who's buying. It is also
involved in executing search warrants.

University of Alberta criminologist Bill Pitt questioned the move.

"I think taking apart the drug section and the intelligence that goes
along with it is short-sighted," said Pitt, adding homicides and
other violence around town is fuelled by drugs. He added it will have
a ripple effect.

"The summer's always slow," said one officer, adding a number of
officers go on holidays during the summer.

He said some drug dealers also seem to take time off.

The police homicide section must be "embattled," given the number of
cases detectives are asked to solve, Pitt said.

The city had 39 murders in 2005 and 36 last year.

The homicide section has been leaning on detectives in the criminal
investigation sections in other divisions for help because of the
sheer number of cases they face.

City police need more manpower, Pitt said.

Officials didn't return repeated calls yesterday.