Pubdate: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 The Abbotsford Times Contact: http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009 Author: Rafe Arnott GROW-OP OFFENCES JUMP 130% Drugs Lead To Gangs: Police Abbotsford police worked on 95 per cent more grow-op related cases in 2009 compared to 2008 as part of their efforts to crack down on gangs and drugs, according to a report released by the department. Numbers, APD spokesperson Const. Ian MacDonald said, that reflect the increased workload the department's drug section is taking on. "In 2008, the drug enforcement unit did less oversight and mentoring, but they made that part of their mandate in '09, and I think that speaks specifically to our identification of the connection between drugs and gangs," he said. MacDonald said the math on the issue is simple; drugs lead police to gang members. "We identified [the link] as a much-needed priority for us and that's why you see that spike in workload." APD statistics show drug arrests rose by eight per cent between 2008 and 2009, with a 24 per cent increase in controlled drugs and substance act offences in the same time period. Production offences rose 130 per cent, trafficking climbed by 19 per cent and charges for possession increased by 14 per cent, results, MacDonald said, that didn't just come from more than routine, prudent paperwork. "It includes kicking in doors, but it also includes intelligence gathering, and assistance on drug-related files from patrol... we have to be actively involved if we're going to effectively target gangsters," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart