Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 Source: Summerland Review (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 The Summerland Review Contact: http://www.summerlandreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1143 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) DEALING WITH DRUGS Drug Use And Drug Trafficking Are Issues Which Continue To Affect Our Community. Over the past week, police have made arrests in two separate drug trafficking incidents. In one case, five people were arrested and a quantity of cocaine, money and drug paraphernalia was seized. In a second instance, two people were arrested and 2.5 kilograms of marijuana was seized. This is a substantial amount of the drug. While the marijuana seizure took place in Penticton, it also affects us here since a Summerland resident was one of the people arrested. The cocaine seizure, which occurred in Summerland, should also have us concerned. Cocaine is a dangerous and addictive drug which can have some serious long-term consequences. There are also other incidents of drug trafficking in Summerland. Last month, crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine were seized in a drug bust which occurred in Summerland. These incidents and others should reinforce that drug trafficking isn't just something that happens in other communities. It's happening right here and people from our community are involved. A drug task force is in place and is raising awareness of drug use locally. In addition, the community has identified drug activity as a problem in Summerland and as a result, the police have been addressing drug violations. But despite their efforts, drug use and drug trafficking are continuing. Left unchecked, the number of drug use and drug trafficking incidents will increase. If anyone has a tip about drug trafficking, please call the Summerland RCMP at 494-7416 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom