Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jul 2004
Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Comox Valley Record
Contact:  http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/784
Author: Mark Allan

KEEP EYE OUT FOR DRUG BOATS

Cpl. Anne Clarke wants your help to find motherships.

Instead of X Files-style vessels, the B.C. co-ordinator of the Coastal 
Watch Program is looking for a hand to spot boats bringing any illegal 
commodity to the long stretches of wild and lonely B.C. coastline.

Speaking to Rotary clubs recently in Port McNeill and Port Hardy, the 
Victoria-based officer noted that federal government cutbacks have reduced 
Coast Guard personnel and destaffed lighthouses.

"We just don't have the eyes and ears anymore," she commented.

"You guys are the ones who have a pretty good idea about what goes on on 
the coastline," she told local Rotarians.

She asks coastal residents "to pay attention to what's happening in the 
neighbourhood, like Neighbourhood Watch."

Although Coastal Watch tracks illegal activities that include terrorism, 
smuggling migrants, environmental crime, overfishing and impaired boating, 
drugs are the biggest target.

About 10 per cent of cocaine imported into Canada and half of the cannabis 
arrives by water, says a Coastal Watch pamphlet.

Boaters who spot anything suspicious should record as many details as 
possible and report them by calling 1-888-855-6655.

Clarke offered advice about how to react to suspicious behaviour at 
land-based drug operations.

Be extremely cautious if you discover a marijuana grow operation in the 
woods, she warned. You should leave by the same route, she added.

B.C. has developed an extremely serious methamphetamine problem, Clarke stated.

"We have just as big a problem as California," she commented.

"It's the most addictive drug - it's more addictive than heroin. It's 
almost impossible to kick a methamphetamine habit."

Signs indicating the existence of a meth lab include dark grey or black 
smoke billowing from windows, blacked-out windows, glass containers stained 
red and excessive foot traffic to a residence.

However, resist your curiosity and do not pilot your boat too close to an 
American military vessel, warns Clarke.