MORE RESIDENTS HELPING WITH DRUG BUSTS: OPP

Orillia-area residents are increasingly becoming the eyes and ears of
police in the war on drugs, an OPP officer has said.

"The sense is that people are earmarking it as a problem," said
Const. Sean McTeague.

"Maybe they didn't complain about it as much before, but now they are."

Whether contacting Crime Stoppers or the local detachment directly,
residents are increasingly picking up the phone to report suspicious
activities happening in their neighbourhoods.

And the result, said McTeague, is more arrests.

"They are starting to call that in," he said. "It draws our attention
to what is going on."

A call to police last Sunday concerning a man yelling at other
drivers outside a local restaurant led officers to find cocaine
valued at more than $20,000 inside a van.

The suspect, who was wanted on an outstanding criminal code warrant
in another jurisdiction, was charged with drug trafficking.

Two female passengers were also charged with trafficking.

McTeague hopes that with growing awareness of the city's drug
problems comes further education and, potentially, more tools with
which to ferret out producers and dealers.

"Certainly we would welcome additional resources," he added.

Communities combating drugs are faced with myriad issues, from the
more immediate health effects related to their use to the financial
and emotional implications for families struggling with an addicted loved one.

"All neighbourhoods are touched by this and all communities," he said.

Having residents point investigators in the direction of those
believed to be involved in drug-related activities has proved useful,
McTeague said.

"People are talking about it now, which is good," he added.

"They seem to be more vocal. It helps us know where to look and helps
us speed up the process. It is just like any other crime. Pick up the
phone if you see anything suspicious."

Most recently, members of the OPP Street Crime Unit and the
detachment's drug unit this week carried out a raid on a Ramara Township home.

Once inside, investigators uncovered 14 freezer bags stuffed with
marijuana, each bag containing a half-pound of dried pot.

Police also seized pills that are believed to be Ecstasy, electronic
scales commonly used to weigh drugs, a switchblade, and more than
$1,000 in cash.

OPP are now seeking a male suspect wanted for possession of a
controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.