Pubdate: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Comox Valley Record Contact: http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/784 Author: Bruce MacInnis GROWING DRUG CULTURE LEADS TO MORE SERIOUS CRIME: RCMP A recent robbery at gunpoint outside a local pub is a sign of the growing drug culture in the Comox Valley, RCMP Staff Sgt. Derald Lewis says. Two women were standing outside the pub on Mansfield Dr. at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday when two men accosted them, according to the RCMP. One of the men produced a hand gun and ordered one of the women to hand over her purse. The men then fled toward Cliffe Ave. Mounties tracked the men with a police dog, but they escaped. "This is the norm with drug use," Lewis said. "We're finding more and more cocaine and other drugs and with that comes violence as users try to get cash so they can buy more drugs." The robbery suspects were in their late teens to early twenties. Both were Caucasian, about 5'10' tall and of slender build. Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to phone the RCMP at 338-1321 or Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 338-8477 (338-TIPS). - --- MAP posted-by: Josh