Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: Marshall Jones

DOWNTOWN DRUG SWEEP MAKES IMPACT

Kelowna RCMP's efforts to curb street level dealers as well as the 
Hells Angels should put a significant dent in the number one source 
of downtown crime-drugs, says Supt. Bill McKinnon.

In addition to the Hells Angels raids in Vancouver and Kelowna, local 
police have been focusing on drug activity at the street level, 
announcing Monday that it was looking to arrest 41 people for 
trafficking. About half of those arrests have been made, he said but 
expects many of the subjects have left town.

He said he and his officers have noted a significant difference downtown.

When you consider that the drug trade is based on supply and demand, 
41 traffickers would translate into at least triple the number of 
drug users and abusers," he said.

The majority of the offences consist of purchases made by undercover 
operators in City Park, Kerry Park and on Bertram Street." He said 
crack cocaine is still the prevalent drug.

For the operations, he said he used members of the drug section, 
property crimes and downtown enforcement unit.

To make that happen-as well as second 11 members to a joint forces 
operation on the Hells Angels-other officers had to pick up the slack 
on the case load.

As the fight continues, McKinnon said he will be asking city hall for 
more officers next year but wouldn't say how many.
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MAP posted-by: Beth