Pubdate: Sat, 07 Oct 2006
Source: Burnaby Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.burnabynow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1592
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1293/a11.html
Author: Garth Evans
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

MORE POLICING NEEDED

Dear Editor:

Re: Passing the buck on pot, Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW, Sept. 27.

Mr. Colin Walker should address his concerns respecting possible 
changes in how the use of marijuana is regulated to the federal 
government, as they are the only ones who can do anything about it. 
Meanwhile, the rest of us must deal the best we can with the results 
of the existing situation.

Like Mr. Walker, I have no doubt that there are at least 800 grow ops 
in Burnaby. However, unlike Mr. Walker, I believe that the people who 
operate these grow ops are violent and dangerous criminals and that 
the people of Burnaby deserve to be protected from them.

I am aware of many reports respecting the type of violence these 
people commit against each other and against any one who they believe 
might interfere with their activities. We aren't dealing with 
pacifist farmers here but rather hardened organized criminals and, as 
Mr. Walker indicates, a lot of money is involved - which, of course, 
is a further incentive for them to defend their interests aggressively.

I understand that currently only four RCMP officers in the Burnaby 
detachment have been assigned to deal with this problem and obviously 
it is impossible for them to do so effectively, especially as 
apparently they are tied up in litigation most of the time. This just 
isn't good enough. More police officers must be assigned to dealing 
with what I see as a very serious problem.

Garth Evans

Councillor, City of Burnaby 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman