Pubdate: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Bert MacBain RCMP 'STING' CREATED A CRIME Re: "I'm tired of being quiet," Feb. 4 The story about RCMP sting operations reminded me of my experience about 25 years ago. I was called to jury duty. The case involved two young, poor Jamaican men who were charged with bringing drugs into Canada. Evidence showed that two RCMP officers had gone to Jamaica one January and hung out at a club where poor kids are likely to be selling marijuana to make a few dollars. The officers posed as big-time drug dealers and offered lots of money if the kids would bring drugs into Canada. When they were not able to put their hands on drugs, the officers threatened physical harm. The kids were able to obtain a small amount of hash oil which they brought into Canada hoping that would satisfy the demands of the "drug dealers." They were arrested upon arrival. Our jury was horrified at the RCMP actions revealed by the evidence as the case unfolded and this case forever coloured my view of the RCMP. Fortunately, we did not have to decide the guilt or innocence of these kids. Their lawyers managed to arrange a plea bargain which provided that the sentence would be the time served while awaiting trial, plus deportation. Although not a practical solution, I sometimes think that the only possible solution is to disband the whole RCMP organization and start from scratch, if we need a national police force. Bert MacBain Brentwood Bay - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom