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Council vows to continue fight against drug trade
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The enhanced police service recently introduced in the region is putting a dent in the local drug trade, says the M.D. of Big Lakes council.
Therefore, council is willing to continue its support of the program.
Enhanced policing was brought into the region a year ago to help curtail local drug trade activity by hiring extra police officers. The federal government wrote the M.D. asking if they wanted to extend the two-year-agreement.
“They need a year’s notice to renew,” said M.D. CAO Jeff Renaud at council’s May 27 meeting. “They don’t need a decision today; they need a decision by September.”
It didn’t take councilors long to sing the praises of the service.
“I think it’s very important for us to continue with enhanced policing,” said Faust Councilor Violet Campiou.
“They were in our area last week,” added Kinsuo Councilor Ken Killeen. “They were in the Village of Kinuso. They hammered a few guys.”
“Are we gaining ground?” asked Joussard Councilor Guy L’Heureux.
“Yes we are,” replied Reeve Alvin Billings.
“Is the drug problem going down?” asked L’Heureux.
“I think the drug problem is going down,” replied Campiou.
Grouard Councilor Fern Welch agreed.
“They’ve done a good job – as good as they can,” she said. “Then it gets to our justice system and nothing happens.”
After council agreed to continue supporting the program, Prairie Echo, Salt Prairie Councilor David Marx suggested writing their funding partners.
“We can tell them what we intend to do,” agreed Killeen.
“And we hope our funding partners will come,” added Renaud.
Council also agreed to write other neighbouring governments to see if they would be willing to join.
Last year, the M.D. Council paid $236,000 for the enhanced police service.
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