PATIENCE IS KEY IN WAR ON DRUGS

Members of the Prince Rupert RCMP recently executed two separate
search warrants resulting in the seizure of several thousand dollars
worth of illegal drugs, and charges of possession of a controlled
substance for the purpose of trafficking were recommended in both cases.

RCMP Media Relations officer Cst. Steve Richards addressed public
concern over the lengthy process of investigations pertaining to drug
trafficking in the community.

"Your local RCMP detachment understands that many of our citizens can
sometimes grow impatient, waiting for action to be taken on what they
see as flagrant drug activity in their neighbourhood."

Richards cites a lack of manpower as one of the reasons for the drawn
out investigations.

"Operating eight officers short of what our detachment strength should
be means it can sometimes be challenging to keep enough members on
shift to respond to calls and free up members to investigate these
files. At the municipal level, responding to calls for service must
always take precedence."

Surveillance is also critical to gather the information required to
obtain a search warrant, as well as to attempt to follow the dealers
to the source.

"Being able to track the supply back up the chain helps us to go after
the larger suppliers," said Richards.

"These investigations take time...One of the most important elements
to drug investigations is information. The more detailed the
information we receive, the better likelihood we'll shut down the drug
dealers in your neighbourhood."