Pubdate: Wed, 09 Mar 2005 Source: Times-Advocate (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Exeter Times-Advocate Contact: http://www.southhuron.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2215 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) DEAL WITH TRAFFICKING PROBLEM This nation had some of its naivete tragically stripped away last week when a crazed gunman murdered four RCMP officers outside Mayerthorpe, Alb. James Roszko, who then killed himself after being injured by RCMP fire, had long been known and feared in the community, both by residents and police officers. The question is: How was this tragedy ever allowed to happen in the first place? Roszko was known to be well-armed, violent and unstable -- a lethal combination that resulted in snuffing out the lives of four young officers, three of whom were still in their 20s. Const. Peter Schiemann lived in London for several years. Hindsight is 20/20, but it's clear Roszko, a man described by his own father as "the devil," should have been kept behind bars. Previously convicted for raping a family member repeatedly, Roszko's other memorable acts include shooting at two people on his property, holding a gun to a neighbour's head and setting up booby traps around his property. In short, he was a ticking time bomb -- the justice system should have dealt with him long ago. In light of this tragedy, the RCMP and Canada's justice system has a lot to answer for. Why was Roszko a free man? Why were young RCMP officers sent in to an explosive situation carrying only revolvers? In the meantime, Canadians are reminded of the risk police officers face everyday. We are also reminded of the deadly dangers caused by the drug trade in this country. These grow-ops aren't run by your stereotypical peace-loving dope smokers, they are major, professionally run operations and they need to be dealt with seriously. Locally, Huron OPP and the Western Region Drug Enforcement Section seized $483,000 worth of marijuana at a home in Huron East between Brucefield and Seaforth last week. Found were 449 marijuana plants, two kilograms of processed marijuana, cannabis resin and $50,000 worth of growing equipment. This isn't something that should be shrugged off or sneezed at -- this country has a drug trafficking problem. Do we have the wherewithal and the guts to deal with it? - ---