Pubdate: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 Source: Guardian, The (CN PI) Copyright: 2014 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated Contact: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174 CITY DRUG RAIDS DRAW ATTENTION TO BIG PROBLEM Operation Clean Sweep Makes Dent; Alarming Numbers Cause for Concern As Islanders awoke early Thursday morning they were greeted with the startling news that an enormous drug sweep was underway throughout Charlottetown. Early reports indicated that upwards of 40 people were facing arrest on drug related charges as more than 15 residences and properties were being searched. The first reaction was why would police be tipping off suspects so they could escape or destroy evidence? It soon became apparent that by the time the news went public, most of the key police work was done. Officers were busy for several hours beforehand and had alerted the media to allay any fears for people seeing scores of officers and emergency vehicles swarming throughout the city. Based on what we saw over the next day or so, it appears we are facing an emergency. The sheer volume of trafficking in hard drugs, possession of dangerous weapons and the large number of people suspected of involvement in such activities is alarming. Police seized drugs valued at more than $ 400,000, plus guns, other weapons, cash and 11 vehicles. Sixteen searches were made, 38 people arrested and more are being sought. Approximately 100 charges are expected. Dozens of City police officers were assisted by Kensington, Summerside and RCMP personnel. It was an impressive display of investigative police work and co- operation. As the suspects were taken into court Friday morning, police already had a press kit ready with a list of names, addresses and charges for distribution to media. It was apparent that police were targeting suspects for some time and had encountered few surprises. Operation Clean Sweep involved more than four months of patient police work and showed clearly that police are well aware of the inner workings of the drug trade in the city and know the key players. The raids show we have a serious drug problem, especially in the trafficking and possession of cocaine and hydromorphone. It also shows we have an adept police service which is well aware of what's going on with drug trafficking. Police believe they made a significant dent in the drug supply chain. Anything that keeps drugs off the street, especially away from schools and young people is a good thing. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom