Pubdate: Fri, 21 Sep 2001
Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Contact:  http://www.pqbnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361
Author: Matthew M. Elrod

MILITARY AND COPS WASTING TIME ON POT

In regard to their seasonal search and destroy operations, ("Pot busts with 
a military flair", The Weekender Sept. 7), RCMP Const. Andy Rickaby 
remarked, "Our sources tell us that the majority of the outdoor pot is 
destined for local streets so this operation should translate into a 
significant reduction in the amount of the drug getting into the hands of 
some of our most vulnerable populations, such as our youth."

It was my understanding, based on earlier RCMP reports, that over 80 per 
cent of the B.C. cannabis crop is destined for the United States. That is 
to say, B.C. produces so much cannabis that we are able to export most of 
it and still meet our domestic demand.

Surely then Const. Rickaby meant to say that this most recent operation, 
involving three helicopters and 60 police officers, will prevent an 
insignificant amount of cannabis from getting into the hands of American 
consumers in exchange for a significant reduction in the amount of U.S. 
money getting into the hands of B.C. communities and a slight increase in 
unsolved crimes.

Signed: Matthew M. Elrod, Victoria, B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Beth