Pubdate: Fri, 23 Dec 2005 Source: Campbell River Mirror (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Campbell River Mirror Contact: http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1380 Author: Paul Rudan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) COCAINE STILL THE DRUG OF CHOICE, CRIME STATS SHOW Drug crimes are on the rise but the new horror of crystal meth doesn't appear to be a problem just yet, according to quarterly statistics from the RCMP. "So far, here in Campbell River, we have not been touched by that yet it has not reared its head like it has in other communities," said Insp. Larry Stright, in a report to council on Monday. "Crystal methamphetamine continues to be on the fringes...cocaine remains to be be the drug of choice for the illegal market." In reporting the third quarter crime statistics to council, Insp. Stright also referred to an unnamed criminal organization that had moved into the city earlier this year to take over the drug trade. "That particular group are no longer in Campbell River," he said. "I'm pleased to report the detachment, in conjunction with a number of other law enforcement agencies, got on top of that." Drug crimes have increased by 19 per cent over last year. This includes a 99 per cent increase in the number of cocaine trafficking instances, 177. The number of property crimes is relatively unchanged from last year with 410 reports of break and enter. The good news is residential B&Es dropped by 21 per cent to 186 offences but the bad news is business B&Es are up substantially. Business break-ins are up 96 per cent with 147 incidents after the first nine months, compared to 106 for all of 2004. Robberies are also up 19 per cent; 25 after three quarters, compared to 27 in all of 2004. That total is expected to climb due to the four recent armed robberies which remain unsolved. Assaults are up 14 per cent with 465 occurrences and sexual assaults went up by nine per cent with 35 offences reported. Thefts from vehicles dropped by one per cent but shoplifting occurrences jumped by 56 per cent. Injury accidents are up 10 per cent and impaired driving charges increased by 17 per cent. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin