Pubdate: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2008 Osprey Media Group Inc Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 POLICE NEED COURTS' SUPPORT According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, there is a strong link between the seemingly harmless crime of cigarette smuggling and the much more lethal illegal drug trafficking industry. This is not fresh news. In the 1990s, when cigarette smugglers were making millions of dollars feeding the Canadian blackmarket with cheap, untaxed smokes, organized crime was identified as a silent partner. But organized crime is much more involved these days. The Mounties have identified 105 organized crime groups that have set up shop in this region. At least 65 are involved in drug trafficking. It is a mindboggling number. Organized crime, especially the violent bikers, and drugs are a natural marriage. Little wonder police report a rapid growth in the number of marijuana grow-ups in this region. Canadian police agencies are doing a commendable job in the fight against the drug and cigarette smuggling operations in the Cornwall area. But they are not winning. The illegal cigarette factories on the U.S. side of Akwesasne continue to flood the Canadian market. They are not in danger of having to cutback on production. Police acknowledge that their record seizures of late are only the tip of the iceberg. Increased police resources would help, but it's not the answer. What's needed is more support from our weak-kneed court system. For smugglers nabbed in Canada, soft sentences are treated like paying taxes. It's not that way on the U.S. side, where the courts take a hardline when sentencing smugglers, particular when illegal drugs are involved. It's called throwing the book at them, and it's what we need more of. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek