DRUG RAIDS TAKE BIG JUMP IN 2007 IN PRINCE COUNTY

SUMMERSIDE -- Drug raids are up considerably this year in Prince
County thanks to the addition of a new officer to the Prince County
Joint Forces Operation drug unit.

That extra position was funded by the provincial government, said East
Prince RCMP Cst. Scott Lundrigan and a member of the JFO.

The unit has expanded from two officers, to three, and so have searches.

The number of drug raids more than doubled from 11 as of July 2, 2006
to 26 by July 2 of this year, said Lundrigan.

In Summerside searches also increased, rising from seven to nine
during the same span.

"We've got more bodies to process more information and to do more
warrants," said Lundrigan.

He said he and his partner could work 24 hours a day processing
"intelligence" from a range of sources and preparing documentation for
search warrants.

The only thing limiting the number of searches is the number of
officers available to do the work, he said.

"We certainly don't see it (work) slowing down," said Lundrigan.
"Sometimes we are so busy we have to say no to somebody with solid
information... we can't act upon it right now."

Much of the information comes from "confidential human sources".

Lundrigan said the extra enforcement has had a positive impact.

He's heard from sources a number of dealers are deciding to quit and
other individuals who had planned to start dealing have changed their
minds.

One disturbing trend for 2007 is the appearance of crystal meth in
Prince County.

On June 24 police seized what they believe is a significant quantity
of the drug from a vehicle in Summerside, said Lundrigan. The drug is
very addictive and the feeling of euphoria can be so intense users can
become hooked after the very first use, he said.

"We know how damaging that drug is," said Lundrigan.

"It's much more addictive than cocaine. They crave it right away."

Though it has been seized in small quantities in Eastern P.E.I., till
now crystal meth hadn't surfaced in Prince County, he said.

It's something RCMP want to make sure doesn't become established here.