Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 2008
Source: Nipawin Journal, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 The Nipawin Journal
Contact:  http://www.nipawinjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/867
Author: Denise Bokinac

IS THERE A DRUG CRISIS IN NIPAWIN?

It has been said that the drug problems in Nipawin are growing - in
fact, it has been recently referred to as a crisis.

After talking to Const. Devin Garner of the Nipawin RCMP, The Journal
found out the drug problem in Nipawin is consistent with the
population of the town.

There are more drugs to be found, he conceded, but that is also the
case with the rest of the province. Many of our major cities have seen
an increase in drug activity, which, in turn, filters down to the
smaller towns and communities. Most of the drugs found in Nipawin come
from these cities as well as from out of province.

Because of this increase, there have been more cases of drug busts
across the province. In our area, the Nipawin RCMP have been working
diligently to put a stop to the drug traffic - both locally, and
what's coming into town.

"Over the past few years, there have been several drug busts in and
around Nipawin," said Garner. "Nipawin RCMP has focused on this area
as it is believed that as drug activity increases, so does other
criminal activity."

As the drug use, and the need to support the habit increases, so does
the amount of thefts and stolen property. Each week the Nipawin court
hears of cases of spousal abuse, fighting, mischief, theft, and
damaged property. In almost every case, drugs and alcohol play a role.
There is no discrimination of gender, age, or race - dealers don't
care who they sell to, as long as they sell their product.

These dealers are the people the RCMP hope to eradicate, and although
it may seem like a never ending battle, they remain optimistic.

"The hope is that other drug dealers will see the punishments
associated with this activity, as well as the financial loses due to
the fact that money and property can be seized as 'Proceeds of
Crime'," explained Garner.

Due to its distinct, long lasting odour, marijuana remains to be the
most commonly found drug by police. While it still remains the most
common, easily accessible street drug, there has been an increase in
cocaine, crack cocaine and ecstasy use in Nipawin. Prescription drugs,
such as Tylenol 3's, Dilaudid and Ritalin, are also sold on the street
by people with legitimate prescriptions.

The citizens of Nipawin have two choices - they can sit back and watch
this happening in their town while they complain about what is
happening, or they can provide information, either directly to the
RCMP or through Crime Stoppers.
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MAP posted-by: Derek