'SUPER' SQUAD MAKES QUICK HITS

Two drug busts within hours of each other by Kamloops' "enhanced" drug
enforcement team are another step in what Cpl. Mike Stewart said is
part of a continuing crackdown on drugs and related crime in the city.

"This is the beginning of a calculated, ongoing effort," said Stewart.

On Thursday, Kamloops RCMP arrested a 38-year-old Kamloops man just
after midnight at the Travelodge City Centre hotel on Columbia Street
in possession with what they call a "significant" amount (97 grams) of
crack cocaine and other "tools of the trade."

The accused man is facing possible charges of possession for the
purpose of trafficking and trafficking in a controlled substance.

On Wednesday afternoon, acting on a search warrant obtained by a tip
to the police, general duty officers busted a "sophisticated"
marijuana grow-op with more than 100 plants at 2057 Gladsone Ave. in
South Kamloops.

Two females, one 45 and the other 29, were arrested and the Ministry
of Children and Families was called to take custody of two children
found at the residence. Since Feb. 12, Kamloops City RCMP have raided
six "crack houses" and one marijuana grow operation.

During these raids, numerous drugs and stolen property has been
recovered, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and magic
mushrooms.

"This is a community issue and it is solved by the community, and the
community includes the RCMP," said Stewart, adding that they are
encouraged the marijuana grow-op bust was a result of a tip from the
public.

"If we're all working together, we can attempt to reduce this problem."

The busts were carried out by the RCMP's "enhanced" drug squad, which
was announced last week.

The new squad includes four full-time RCMP officers, with an
additional two-member bike patrol to start in April. The squad is
working with other agencies to further crack down on drug activity in
the city.

It is the hope of the RCMP that these busts will lead to a further
reduction of related crime in the city.

The accused 38-year-old male was to appear in court Thursday afternoon
and the two females in connection with the marijuana grow-op have been
released pending a court appearance.