POLICE TARGETING DRUG TRAFFICKERS

If you're dealing drugs on the Sunshine Coast, prepare to be taken down.

Sunshine Coast RCMP have stepped up enforcement on drug trafficking up
and down the Coast with police specifically targeting those who are
trafficking in cocaine and crack cocaine in an effort to reduce
overall crime on the Coast.

Since the beginning of May, police have made 16 arrests for possession
of cocaine or crack cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

In the course of those arrests, police have seized significant amounts
of drugs, as well as cash, four firearms and two vehicles.

"The arrests work out to one arrest every three days," said Const.
Bryson Hill. "All of these arrests have resulted in the seizure of
either crack cocaine or cocaine and most of the arrests will result or
have resulted in charges being laid."

Hill said the drug seizures have ranged in size from just a few grams
to two larger seizures consisting of more than one kilogram each.

According to Hill, the street value of cocaine and crack cocaine on
the Sunshine Coast is the same, with one gram costing approximately
$100. If half a kilogram of cocaine or crack cocaine were sold on the
street at the gram level, its value would be approximately $45,000,
added Hill.

"The number of cocaine addicts on the Sunshine Coast is not known
exactly, but the numbers are significant," Hill said. "An average
addict will consume between half a gram and two grams of cocaine each
day. The cost of the habit is extraordinary and generally results in a
need for the addict to commit crime in order to pay for the habit. An
addict consuming half a gram of cocaine each day needs $1,500 each
month just to support his habit, while an addict who consumes two
grams each day will need $6,000 per month. Some addicts go through
binges of use and will consume as much as five grams each day during
those times. Of course, during the binges, the cost of the habit is
significantly increased, as is the need to commit crime to pay for
it."

Hill said the police efforts recently also nabbed a former Sechelt
man, Daniel Johnson, who was wanted province-wide on a warrant after
more than two years evading police.

Police are also investigating several other people for trafficking
cocaine and anticipate the arrest of six more individuals in the
coming days as a result of these investigations.

"The social problems resulting from the use of cocaine on the Sunshine
Coast are staggering," Hill said. "The police certainly realize there
are other substances, such as alcohol, marijuana and opiates that are
problematic to the community and to families, but have recently
focused their attention on cocaine and crack cocaine as the use and
sale of these drugs seems to be out of control."

Police are asking for help from the community in combating the drug
problem. Those with information relating to the trafficking of illegal
or prescription drugs on the Coast are asked to pass on information to police.