Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 Source: Strathmore Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 2012 Strathmore Standard Contact: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.strathmorestandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3322 Author: Kirsten Mundy DRUG DANGERS It isn't just the jump in drug-related charges that have local RCMP working even harder to try and curb the problem; it's the reality that more lives will be lost unless something is done, and they're looking for a little help from the community. "Our best defence against this is intelligence lead policing," said Cst. Michael Fulton. "This is when people (need to) step forward with information, so we can know where to investigate." Cody Gorlick (23) died earlier this year and just six months before in June 2011, Jonathan Herrmann (15) died as well. Both young men lived in Strathmore (Gorlick was attending post-secondary school in Calgary) and took ecstasy with traces of PMMA, a drug that is known as Dr. Death for it's more toxic and often lethal effects. It is often sold as ecstasy. The prevalence of the drug recently has police all over Alberta and B.C. reacting to deaths, but in Strathmore the hope is to take these tragedies and turn them into something good. In total there have been 12 deaths in Alberta, with Strathmore's two making up more than 16 per cent of that. Fulton explained that as a GIS (General Investigation Section) officer he is responsible for looking into the major crimes out of the Strathmore detachment and drugs are a big focus for them. Without more intelligence though, their job isn't getting any easier. "Illicit drugs, the people who profit from them and the surrounding crimes are evolving constantly," said Fulton. "It makes investigations surrounding them more difficult." The solution? Fulton said having people come forward with the information they have would be the best action against what has always been a serious problem in Strathmore. In 2010 Strathmore had just 18 tips from Crime Stoppers regarding drug use in town, and there were 11 in 2011. Fulton said this is concerning because on a very regular basis he interacts with people who claim they know more than the police. "If you know anything, please call," said Fulton. "Any information is better than no information.... We can't react to things we don't know about." In 2011 the Strathmore RCMP had 119 cannabis, two MDMA (ecstasy) one methamphetamine, 22 cocaine and 37 other drug-related seizures. There were twice as many CDSA search warrants in 2011 than 2010, with 2011 showing just 10. With a grand total of 117 investigations of drug related crimes and 42 people charged criminally, Fulton said it's clear that the RCMP are still able to get drugs off the street without information from the community, but all of those numbers would be much higher with more information. If anyone has information, any information, regarding drug activity in the area, please call 1-800-222-8477. Fulton asked that everyone remember the phone call is completely anonymous, and any suspicious activity should be reported. - ------------------------------------- Things to Watch for in Your Community Strange Odours. Including ammonia, acetone, acid, and solvents. Unusual Traffic Flow. Frequent visits by different cars, at any time. Be suspicious of vehicles with obscured or absent license plates. Property Alteration. Covering windows and patio doors with items other than curtains or drapes, barricading windows and doors, and disconnecting fire alarms. Bright Interior Lights. High-intensity 1000-watt lamps are commonly used in the production of methamphetamines and cannabis. Constant Humming Noises, like that of a fan, or a transformer on a power pole. Tenants Who Own Expensive Items, especially if they appear to be unemployed. Expensive cars, cell phones, home entertainment systems, etc. Extensive Security Measures, beyond typical home security. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.