Pubdate: Tue, 27 May 2003 Source: Alaska Highway News (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Sterling Newspapers Ltd. Contact: http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/716 Author: Gary Ahuja DRUG BUST NABS 51 An RCMP undercover operation has resulted in a major drug bust in the Peace Liard Region with 51 people in six different communities facing charges. "(The investigation) was targeting street suppliers, not the top-end suppliers," said Cpl. Jim Pletz. "They were after the street dealers (and) some of the bust was a good size for street dealers." The operation, which began in March, involved approximately eight officers, with half of those coming from the Fort St. John detachment. Investigators seized a considerable amount of cocaine and marijuana and also seized four vehicles used by the traffickers to transport the cocaine. The size of the bust is the biggest one in the last year, said Fort St. John detachment commander Insp. Arlen Miller. "For this area, we would consider it to be a good-sized operation," he said. The investigation was targeted to attack the drug problem instead of react to the drug problem, Pletz said. The majority of the suspects were known to police, but Pletz does not believe there was a major organized link between the suspects. "When the climate dictates and the need is there, something like this is planned and carried out," he said. Miller said the operation is continuing but did not say for how long. The names of those charged can not yet be released, but RCMP did state where the offences took place. Fort St. John has the largest number of people charged, as 15 individuals are facing 21 drug related charges. In Dawson Creek, 12 people face charges, while 11 individuals were charged in Fort Nelson. Chetwynd had nine individuals charged, Mackenzie had three and Tumbler Ridge had one person charged. In total, the suspects face 66 charges for their actions. All of the people are being charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh