Pubdate: Fri, 11 May 2007 Source: Port Hope Evening Guide (CN ON) Copyright: 2007 Port Hope Evening Guide Contact: http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4147 Author: Karen Lloyd LOCAL DRUG FORCE UNIT SEIZED THE MOST DRUGS IN THE PROVINCE LAST YEAR Port Hope's the not the sleepy little town it appears to be. According to Port Hope Police Deputy Chief Garry Hull, the Kawartha Combined Drug Forces Unit did a number on criminals last year. In fact, he said in 2006, the tri-county undercover policing organization reportedly seized the most drugs in the entire province, compared to what drug units other regions of Ontario turned up. With the assistance of Port Hope Police Constable Mike Powell, the organization seized a total $83,000 (street value) worth of drugs from the streets of this municipality, including marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, oxycodone and liquid morphine. "It's a substantial amount, especially for a small municipality," said Deputy Chief Hull. In addition, the unit managed to take 40 weapons off the streets, including four guns. The Kawartha Combined Forces Drug Unit consists of police officers from various services, including the local service, who work undercover in municipalities throughout this region. In Port Hope, Const. Mike Powell is the dedicated officer, currently going into his third year with the force. "It's a real benefit when everybody in the tri-county (area) can pool their resources," said Deputy Chief Hull. The numbers were discussed at a Port Hope Police Services Board meeting yesterday. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek