DRUG TRADE BLAMED FOR SHOOTING

RCMP say they're keeping an eye on known drug houses in the city, following
a drive-by shooting at a Quince Street residence Sunday.

It's possibly the first drive-by shooting in the city.

In Sunday's incident, an 18-year-old woman was wounded in the leg when
shots from a high-powered rifle shattered the front window of the home in
the 2200 block.

Police believe the incident was a targeted attack and related to drugs,
said Const. Mike Herchuk. However, he acknowledged neighbourhood residents
are likely still concerned for their safety. "Public safety is a major
concern for us because innocent people could be caught in the cross fire,"
he said. RCMP plan to increase patrols in areas where there are known drug
houses, he said. "We can't park in front of every drug house. That would be
unrealistic. But we are aware there are many drug houses and we'll
certainly step up vigilance," Herchuk said.

Meanwhile, the victim and residents of the house are still refusing to
cooperate with the investigation. The victim also failed to return to
hospital for follow-up medical care, after receiving initial treatment,
Herchuk said. Despite obstacles in the investigation, he said police are
still actively looking into the shooting, he said. "We want to find out why
and if this is just the beginning. Is it a turf war?"

Herchuk said the drug trade -- Prince George is the centre of the illegal
industry in the North -- has triggered related crime. An incident last
month where a man was viciously beaten and had his hand chopped off is also
believed to be linked to the drug trade, he said. The victim in that case
has also refused to speak with police. "We know there's been robberies,
harassment, assaults, but recently the level of violence has escalated," he
said.