Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006 Source: Grand Forks Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Sterling Newspapers Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/525 Author: Border Services Officers. Note: The newspaper does not have an active website. DRUG SEIZURE HIGHLIGHTS NEED Nearly 200 pounds of cocaine were seized at Cascade over the weekend by Border Services Officers. Estimated to be worth $6.5 million dollars, the bust is the largest ever in the Okanagan/West Kootenay district. Kudos should be forthcoming to both Border services and the RCMP for working together on this case, and specifically, the Border Services Officer who first identified the potential risk. That person should be commended. That said, even though the public is pleased that a large quantity of cocaine has been seized, many residents are wondering just how common drug busts are at our local border crossings these days? Illegal drug trafficking is profitable, and it appears that a handful of people in every community are prepared to take the risk of trafficking drugs. There is money to be made, regardless of the human cost. Drug trafficking is often incestuously connected to other crime. And to know that our local border crossings are occasionally used by organized crime syndicates is sobering. How many times have drug traffickers made it across the border unscathed, unchecked? How many kilograms of cocaine, heroin or other drugs (have) been moved between the United States and Canada? Is that truck ahead of you carrying illegal drugs, or heaven forbid, illegal weapons? It is not clear where the drugs originated from yet, but all indications point to powerful organized crime networks. Organized criminals may be looking at small border crossings like ours as potential points of entry. But thanks to the good work of Border Services, maybe they will think again. A drug bust like the one that occurred at Cascade this last weekend is significantly different than the bust on a small, outdoor marijuana grow operation in the backyard of uncle and auntie so-and-so's place. Serious crime does occasionally take place here. Drug trafficking is not uncommon. But having the appropriate resources available to deal with the ever-resourceful criminals is something every community needs to contend with. It's not enough to simply rely on Border Services or the RCMP. Maybe neighbourhood watches need to be re-established. Maybe extra diligence is required from members of the public. Maybe city council and the regional district need to review their mandates and help provide resources. Undoubtedly, it's time that this community provides a strong message: criminal activity will not be tolerated in our area. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine