LOCAL DRUG FORCE UNIT SEIZED THE MOST DRUGS IN THE PROVINCE LAST
YEAR

Port Hope's the not the sleepy little town it appears to be.

According to Port Hope Police Deputy Chief Garry Hull, the Kawartha
Combined Drug Forces Unit did a number on criminals last year.

In fact, he said in 2006, the tri-county undercover policing
organization reportedly seized the most drugs in the entire province,
compared to what drug units other regions of Ontario turned up.

With the assistance of Port Hope Police Constable Mike Powell, the
organization seized a total $83,000 (street value) worth of drugs from
the streets of this municipality, including marijuana, cocaine and
ecstasy, oxycodone and liquid morphine.

"It's a substantial amount, especially for a small municipality," said
Deputy Chief Hull.

In addition, the unit managed to take 40 weapons off the streets,
including four guns.

The Kawartha Combined Forces Drug Unit consists of police officers
from various services, including the local service, who work
undercover in municipalities throughout this region.

In Port Hope, Const. Mike Powell is the dedicated officer, currently
going into his third year with the force.

"It's a real benefit when everybody in the tri-county (area) can pool
their resources," said Deputy Chief Hull.

The numbers were discussed at a Port Hope Police Services Board
meeting yesterday.