Pubdate: Wed, 04 Feb 2004 Source: Estevan Mercury (CN SN) Copyright: 2004 Estevan Mercury Contact: http://cap.estevan.sk.ca/mercury/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2542 DRUG OFFENCES UP IN 2003 Drug offences nearly doubled in Estevan in 2003, according to the annual report of the Estevan Police Service. "We're no worse than any other city," was the response from police Chief Peter MacKinnon when asked to comment on the report's figures. "We're aware of the activity in the city, and we're addressing it." MacKinnon said one reason for the higher numbers could be the result of a higher level of enforcement and intelligenence gathering. He said as a result of investigations, more charges are being laid against people who are involved in trafficking and distribution. The police service report showed there were 54 drug offences in 2003 compared to 28 in 2002, 23 in 2001 and only 19 in 2000. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin