Pubdate: Fri, 30 Apr 2010
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Rafe Arnott

GROW-OP OFFENCES JUMP 130%

Drugs Lead To Gangs: Police

Abbotsford police worked on 95 per cent more grow-op related cases in 
2009 compared to 2008 as part of their efforts to crack down on gangs 
and drugs, according to a report released by the department.

Numbers, APD spokesperson Const. Ian MacDonald said, that reflect the 
increased workload the department's drug section is taking on.

"In 2008, the drug enforcement unit did less oversight and mentoring, 
but they made that part of their mandate in '09, and I think that 
speaks specifically to our identification of the connection between 
drugs and gangs," he said.

MacDonald said the math on the issue is simple; drugs lead police to 
gang members.

"We identified [the link] as a much-needed priority for us and that's 
why you see that spike in workload."

APD statistics show drug arrests rose by eight per cent between 2008 
and 2009, with a 24 per cent increase in controlled drugs and 
substance act offences in the same time period.

Production offences rose 130 per cent, trafficking climbed by 19 per 
cent and charges for possession increased by 14 per cent, results, 
MacDonald said, that didn't just come from more than routine, prudent 
paperwork.

"It includes kicking in doors, but it also includes intelligence 
gathering, and assistance on drug-related files from patrol... we 
have to be actively involved if we're going to effectively target 
gangsters," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart