Pubdate: Mon, 27 Feb 2006
Source: Queen Charlotte Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Queen Charlotte Observer.
Contact:  http://www.qciobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2681

QUEEN CHARLOTTE RCMP CONCERNED ABOUT DRUG USE

A drug overdose in Skidegate and a recent bust in Queen Charlotte 
point to rampant drug use in the communities that has Queen Charlotte 
RCMP very concerned.

Sergeant Neil Hogg said police were called to a residence in 
Skidegate on February 23 after they received a complaint about a drug overdose.

The adult male suffered life-threatening injuries as a result and was 
transported to the hospital, he says.

"This is a prime example of what the community faces," he said.

Police also seized a small quantity of marijuana from an adult male 
in Queen Charlotte February 22.

Sgt. Hogg says he is hoping to address the drug issues and substance 
abuse in communities now that his detachment is up to full staffing levels.

"The present drug dealing situation is putting all our children at 
risk," he says.

He thanks the public for their assistance so far in identifying 
dealers and wants to remind them that the police highly guard any 
information revealed to them.

"Many in the community have demonstrated they've had enough and 
aren't willing to let the drug dealers destroy their community and 
children," he says.

Sgt. Hogg says in order to deal with the cocaine and marijuana 
issues, the RCMP need continued public input.

Officers have stepped up patrols and will be stopping people in the 
streets a lot more, especially those walking late at night.

"It's not that we suspect them," he says, but if incidents take place 
in neighbouring areas, these people may have witnessed something 
significant. "It's also a way to keep in touch with the community and 
people in the streets," he says.

Sgt. Hogg says the police investigation covers all drug related 
issues and dealers. To date, his officers have not encountered any 
crystal meth in the communities and they want to keep it that way.
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