Pubdate: Wed, 30 Jun 2010
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Merritt Herald
Contact:  http://www.merrittherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1446

COQUIHALLA BRINGS DRUGS TO MERRITT

Though drug trafficking in Merritt is nothing new, RCMP say they are 
concerned with new trends in the way business is being done here.

There has been a recent increase in violence related to the drug 
trade, said Const. Tracy Dunsmore in a press release.

"Being located along the Coquihalla Highway and 97C has its 
advantages for those doing business that relies on customers stopping 
in Merritt to have a break, gas up, eat or even wander around 
downtown," she said. "Unfortunately, it also attracts those who come 
to town for other business purposes."

Crack cocaine is the most heavily distributed illegal drug in 
Merritt, and violence associated with trafficking is on the rise.

Dealers who have been identified from the Lower Mainland, Okanagan 
and Kamloops often set up shop for a few weeks in local hotels and 
motels, said Dunsmore.

Local police have investigated "numerous complaints" related to drug 
dealing over the past few years, said Dunsmore, and have been 
successful in identifying, charging and even having dealers banned 
from the community.

But with numbers of dealers increasing lately, police are looking for 
more help from the public.

Information such as descriptions of clothing, license plates, and 
other details can be useful for police when investigating possible 
drug deals, assaults, or other drug related activities.

"Other programs like Block Watch and Citizens on Patrol are ways that 
community members can watch their own neighbourhoods," said Dunsmore.

Further information on prevention initiatives can be found at the 
Community Policing Office at 2013 Quilchena Avenue.

Anyone with information about these or other crimes can call local 
RCMP at 250-378-4262, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart