Pubdate: Thu, 06 May 2010
Source: Observer, The (CN ON)
Page: Front Page
Copyright: 2010, OSPREY Media Group Inc.
Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.theobserver.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676
Author: Shawn Jeffords

DRUG BATTLE HEATS UP

Get Lost.

That's the simple message Sarnia police are sending to city drug 
dealers as they ramp up a battle against drugs, especially the spread 
of illegal prescription painkillers.

Police executed their 36th drug search warrant of the year Wednesday, 
seizing almost $7,000 in cash, a quantity of oxycodone, hydromorphine 
and a replica hand gun.

The officers also encountered pitbulls, a bullmastif and rottweiler 
at the Hanna Crescent address, said Staff Sgt. Doug Warn.

"It's just getting out of control. We're here to deal with these 
people and make sure our community is a better place. These people do 
not care."

Drug dealers keep vicious dogs to slow officers trying to enter a 
house, creating a delay to dispose of drugs or arm themselves, Warn said.

While officers were contending with the dogs in Wednesday's bust a 
suspect fled on foot. An officer pursued and a citizen driving by the 
scene stopped to give the officer a ride. When they caught up to the 
suspect the officer was able to make an arrest.

"That just confirms what we already believe. Citizens are concerned 
with this as well and support the police. They want to help in any 
way they can, and they do," Warn said.

The service has also made 13 major drug busts related to vehicle 
stops on Sarnia streets this year. Drugs are contributing to an 
overall increase in crime in Sarnia, he said.

"It spins off into break and enters, robberies, into home invasions. 
It really does account for a lot of crime."

Prescription painkillers are also impacting local high schools.

"We're finding a lot of teenagers are hooked and it's just destroying 
them," he said.

Sarnia police have a message for drug dealers, Warn added.

"We just want to get this out there and tell these guys to get lost."
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