Pubdate: Wed, 07 Jun 2006
Source: Meridian Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006, The Lloydminster Meridian Booster
Contact:  http://www.meridianbooster.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1590
Author: John B. Spigott

RCMP TARGET HOTEL DRUG TRADE

Lloydminster Meridian Booster -- Lloydminster drug dealers are trying 
to find a more hospitable place to do business, and evade local law 
enforcement in the process.

Sgt. Ken Marchand of the Lloydminster RCMP said there has been some 
drug dealing going on out of some hotel rooms in the Border City, but 
wouldn't say it was a crime that's on the rise.

"It's a cat-and-mouse game," said Marchand. "We catch wind of deals 
going on from residents and we start doing our investigation, and 
they move on. They move into a hotel room where they figure they are 
not under the spotlight."

Marchand said drug dealers are becoming aware hotel rooms are another 
place to do business, but said the RCMP have it on their radar. He 
said it's no different than seeing odd activity at all hours of the 
day at a private residence, only in this case the odd activity is 
taking place in a hotel.

"Drugs and police, crime and police -- it's like putting a finger in 
the dike," said Marchand. "As soon as you plug two holes one pops 
open. So, if you put some pressure on a residence or on a particular 
group of individuals who are known to several residences, for every 
action there is a reaction. We act, and their reaction is to move."

The best way to deter activity like this, or drug activity in 
general, is for the public to be vigilant, said Marchand.

"We ask our good citizens to phone and let us know if anything 
suspicious is going on," he said. "This is something we extend to 
hotel owners and staff -- if something doesn't look right it probably isn't."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman