COCAINE STILL THE DRUG OF CHOICE, CRIME STATS SHOW

Drug crimes are on the rise but the new horror of crystal meth doesn't
appear to be a problem just yet, according to quarterly statistics
from the RCMP.

"So far, here in Campbell River, we have not been touched by that yet it has
not reared its head like it has in other communities," said Insp. Larry
Stright, in a report to council on Monday. "Crystal methamphetamine
continues to be on the fringes...cocaine remains to be be the drug of choice
for the illegal market."

In reporting the third quarter crime statistics to council, Insp.
Stright also referred to an unnamed criminal organization that had
moved into the city earlier this year to take over the drug trade.

"That particular group are no longer in Campbell River," he said. "I'm
pleased to report the detachment, in conjunction with a number of
other law enforcement agencies, got on top of that."

Drug crimes have increased by 19 per cent over last year. This
includes a 99 per cent increase in the number of cocaine trafficking
instances, 177. The number of property crimes is relatively unchanged
from last year with 410 reports of break and enter. The good news is
residential B&Es dropped by 21 per cent to 186 offences but the bad
news is business B&Es are up substantially.

Business break-ins are up 96 per cent with 147 incidents after the
first nine months, compared to 106 for all of 2004.

Robberies are also up 19 per cent; 25 after three quarters, compared
to 27 in all of 2004. That total is expected to climb due to the four
recent armed robberies which remain unsolved. Assaults are up 14 per
cent with 465 occurrences and sexual assaults went up by nine per cent
with 35 offences reported. Thefts from vehicles dropped by one per
cent but shoplifting occurrences jumped by 56 per cent.

Injury accidents are up 10 per cent and impaired driving charges
increased by 17 per cent.