PROJECT 'NIGHTSCOPE' TAKES GUNS, DRUGS OFF THE STREET

A recent six-month project, dubbed Project Nightscope, has netted the
Chatham-Kent police Drug Enforcement and Intelligence Unit more than
$358,000 worth of illegal drugs, along with nine guns.

The Spirit of Bothwell - A recent six-month project, dubbed Project
Nightscope, has netted the Chatham-Kent police Drug Enforcement and
Intelligence Unit more than $358,000 worth of illegal drugs, along with
nine guns.

The project, which ran last March to November, targeted drug dealers in
Chatham-Kent who were supplying drugs to young people, especially around
the high schools.

Project Nightscope, which picked up where the successful Operation High
Noon left off, identified these drug dealers through surveillance,
interrupting their activities through search warrants and take-downs, as
well as educating young people on the dangers of drug use.

"The drug unit will continue its enforcement efforts targeting drug dealers
who look to our schools for their market," says Deputy Chief Dennis Poole.
"Sgt (Keith) Myers and the members of the joint Intelligence Drug
Enforcement Street Crime Section are commended for their ongoing dedication
and efforts in this regard."

With $16,000 in funding assistance from the Ministry of the Solicitor
General, local police were able to purchase specialized equipment including
a computer, digital cameras and surveillance equipment.

Along with the drugs and guns seized, police are conducted 14 search
warrants, laying 61 charges against 28 people arrested.