Pubdate: Tue, 2 Jun 2009
Source: Times & Transcript (Moncton, CN NK)
Copyright: 2009 New Brunswick Publishing Company
Contact:  http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2660
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)

RCMP CRACK DOWN ON DRUGS IN KENT COUNTY

Kent County RCMP are stepping up efforts this summer to crack down on
marijuana grow operations.

"Here in this district we have increased our direct enforcement," said
Sgt. Jeff Johnston.

Last week, District 5 RCMP executed a search warrant in Bass River and
seized more than 850 marijuana plants, or enough marijuana to produce
400,000 cigarettes.

Several long guns and a hand gun were also seized, and police expect
to press charges once their investigation is complete.

Johnston said the drug problem is not necessarily getting worse in the
Kent County area, but he said police are ramping up their efforts to
address it.

Last year, RCMP recorded 12 drug production occurrences in the region,
and 53 drug trafficking occurrences.

Johnston said those numbers may not tell the whole story because a
grow operation will also be linked with a trafficking charge and,
therefore, be recorded as a trafficking occurrence.

He said RCMP will partner with the Department of National Defence to
conduct patrols over the area this summer.

He said the transformation of marijuana also remains a concern in the
area, as it is in the rest of New Brunswick, although he said the
production of "hard drugs" is less prevalent.

"We haven't heard of much of that in our area, but we have most
definitely heard of cannabis extraction labs, the making of marijuana
oil or hash oil, and that has been pretty prevalent in our area."

Johnston encouraged residents who have witnessed suspicious behaviour
to contact local RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake