General News · 11th October 2006
Cpl. Rick Fraser
news release
On 2006-10-05, QUADRA ISLAND RCMP executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) at an address on Whaletown Road on Cortes Island.
Police discovered an indoor marihuana grow operation at this location, seizing 88 plants. More significantly, it appears that this house was being used as a processing station for drying and packaging harvested marihuana. The majority of the building was dedicated to this purpose and it appears a number of people were involved in this criminal enterprise. Police seized approximately 75 kg of processed marihuana "bud", much of which they believe was destined for markets off the island.
One adult male and one adult female have been charged under the CDSA with production of marihuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking. The investigation is continuing.
Since the initial arrests in this investigation, police have heard from numerous people who are fed up with criminals who take advantage of the laid back, friendly and accepting attitudes of islanders and bring this criminal activity into our backyards and the process tarnish the reputation of this beautiful island.
Illicit drug trafficking and organized crime are global problems of immense proportions. A 75 kg seizure of marihuana is not huge in the global sense, however, considering that 1 gram of marihuana will produce between 3 to 5 marihuana cigarettes or "joints", 75 kg represents between 225,000 and 375,000 joints that will kept out of the hands of our youth.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that they can make a difference, just by passing on their observations of suspicious activity to the members of Quadra Detachment or by calling CRIMESTOPPERS. In either situation, they can rest assured that their identities will be protected and that one little piece of information may be all that police have been looking for to bring an investigation to a successful conclusion.
People often say that the problem is too large and that shutting down one branch of criminal activity just causes another to sprout up somewhere else. All I can say to that is that a small drop of contamination is easier to stamp out than a large drop, the point is to keep stomping. Where would we be if the environmentalists had adopted the attitude that the problem was too big, the polluters were too rich, etc. To paraphrase from their playbook, 'It's time to think globally and act locally!'.
marijuana bust
Comment by Kaya on 9th November 2006
Who knows if marijuana makes us "better" or "worse". It's an individual choice. Some people like to smoke marijuana on ocassion, some don't. If you don't like it, don't smoke it. The "drug" has been proven to help people with certain medical conditions. It also provides relaxation for many.
I do not believe for a second that youth should have access to it. I am sure that conscientuous growers would agree.
Marijuana is illegal because the law says so. People can fight to change this law. Once marijuana is legal, the social stigma will be gone and adults who choose to smoke it can smoke it in peace.
Lighten up America - the instigators of B.C.'s war on soft drugs.
Lighten up islanders - how have growers personally harmed anyone? Anyone?
Blogspot for Comments
Comment by Editor on 31st October 2006
Someone has set up an anonymous board for comments on this matter. Use the the link below:
http://islanddialogue.blogspot.com/
the marijuana arrest
Comment by scottkennedymercs@yahoo.ca on 26th October 2006
This is a painful topic because it divides people so much.
A person loved and revered by many (including myself) was allegedly arrested for growing and trafficking marijuana.
Apparently grow operations and distribution points like this are serious crime points because they are subsidized by what our National and Regional Police Forces would call "organised crime".
I think we have an opportunity here to get a glimpse of what constitutes "criminal activity".
Does our local marijuana industry (I believe it's ok to talk about it because we are all dramatically affected here on Cortes by the ramifications)
make us better or worse?
Priorities (Revised)
Comment by Jason V. on 25th October 2006
For someone to take the time to write such a damning letter about marijuana it must be a very very important priority in their view of what is wrong with the world. So, I ask, where on the list below should the public persecution (with public money) of those that use herbs for medicinal and private recreational purposes be?
War –Terrorism
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Guns in schools
Heroin –record poppy crops 2006
Poverty & debilitating hunger
Bigotry, racism, sexism
Indigenous rights
Climate Change
Toxic Pollution
Salmon
Corporate Crimes robbing elders of lifetime savings
Lying Politicians
Livable wages for hard working folk
Clear cuts
Unfair trade laws that favor some countries, sectors, and capital over labor
Rising Tuition and Student Loan Debt
George Bush, Kim John Ill et al.
Winter doldrums
Ferry prices & overloads
and the list could go on . . . .
Where is the evidence that marijuana producers/users do not contribute to the community they live in and pot is a gate way drug? Beyond opinion, there is none. In fact, it provides jobs, economic stimulation, doesn't require paving over open space, and is a medicine -from all the troubles in the world, never mind AIDES and cancer. So why do we waste so much money prosecuting them and with so much zeal? Does it really help? Are there other more important priorities to write a letter about?
"name withheld by request"
Comment by Brigid on 23rd October 2006
What about the above? Newspapers do this, it means that people are free to voice their feelings/thoughts on a subject where illegality (in this case) is involved, for example, and still sign their letters.
Could that be done?
BTW when it comes to overheated commentary I think the gentleman from the RCMP is over the top w/ talk of criminals and organized crime.
Editor's Note to Annonymous
Comment by Richard Trueman on 22nd October 2006
I've received several annonymous replies to the Cpl. Fraser's letter. I'm sorry, but allowing annonymous replies is a slippery slope that this site will not go down.
Although issues mentioned need to be talked about without fear, I acknowlege your frustrations.
Several of the erased letters also talked about this in an overly heated and personal attacking manner. To keep things civil and meet our guidelines can't your replys perhaps stick to facts and report your concerns in a even toned manner?
repectfully, the messenger,
your Editor
Thanks
Comment by Mike Mahoney on 12th October 2006
I am pleased to see the Strong Arm of the Law being exercised to Stomp out the Illegal Trafficing of Marijuana, on Cortes Island.
Arrest like this, will make others think twice before engaging in such activity on the Island. Granted, employment options are limited and some are finding it hard to live comfortably without an adequate source of income. But to engage in underground Criminal Activity as such, is not acceptable. Responsible families living on the Island, I am sure, are pleased to see this bust take place.
The availability of Grow Opps as these, make it much more difficult to raise our children in a safe and drug free environment. Negative influences are all around us. Island residents need to be united in this cause and continue to snuff out, such activity. Lets keep our Island safe, clean and heathy.
Now I know some of you are wondering who I am.
My family lived on the Island some Forty years ago. I went to School in the Old School House with my brothers. My father is Jim and my mother is Lillian. They are both deceased.
In the summer my father was a Commercial Fisherman. In the winter he was a logger. We lived in Jack Perry's house accross from the community ice rink.
This pond is where our orchard was. As kids we put up a Fruit Stand and attempted to sell to passers by. We didn't have to much success though, because we had to wait a long time for someone to come our way. As a young boy, I Iexplored much of the Island and fell in love with it. I learned to swim in Hague Lake. Needless to say, Cortes Island has captured a big piece of my heart. I care very much what goes on here. Though I am currently living in Prince George I wish to extend my arm and voice where I can. Please accept my support in helping fight crime on Cortes.
Most sincerely, Mike Mahoney