Pubdate: Wed, 20 Sep 2006
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Author: Amy Lazar

SPIKE IN DRUG BUSTS REPORTED

OPP Notes Cocaine A Continuing Problem

Police are cracking down on cocaine dealers in the city in hopes of 
reducing violent and property crime.

"There were 18 separate counts of trafficking cocaine in July, which 
is more than we did in a three-year period," said Orillia OPP Insp. 
Jim Szarka, referring to statistics dating back to 2002. "We are 
still battling with escalating violent crime and a lot more 
drug-related activity."

In the first seven months of this year, there were 516 violent 
offences and property crimes.

In the same period in 2005, there were 394 such offences.

The statistics were provided by Szarka for the Orillia Police 
Services Board, which met at the local detachment yesterday for its 
first meeting since breaking for summer.

One member of the board commented on three charges related to cannabis.

"Doesn't anyone smoke weed anymore?" asked board chair Don MacNeil.

Szarka explained: "I've asked for a greater focus on the types of 
drugs that have a direct link to violent crime."

* * *

On one of the busiest days in court this year, Orillia OPP officers 
had to guard 38 prisoners, Insp. Jim Szarka reported yesterday.

Four days this year - one in each of February, March, April and June 
- - were designated as DNA court dates.

Legislation requires certain convicted criminals to surrender DNA 
samples, although they are entitled to a hearing to challenge it.

Orillia was selected as one of the courts to handle the hearings.

A larger number of prisoners than usual, many of whom were not from 
the area, appeared before the local court, increasing the number of 
officers needed to secure the area.

While court was in session, two to four constables, and often a 
special constable, were assigned to supervise.

The total cost for the wages of police court staff for the four DNA 
dates was about $2,830.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine