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.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine