Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Kugluktuk (Nov 08/99) - Several significant drug busts have recently been made by Kugluktuk RCMP as they respond to heightened public concern over the amount of illegal drugs entering the community.

More than $23,000 worth of marijuana destined for the community was seized last July and four other seizures have since been made.

"In one seizure we managed to keep $23,000 worth of marijuana from reaching the community," said Const. Mark Crowther.

"Unfortunately, the average customer here is the one who can least afford to purchase illegal drugs. All too often children are the real victims in a parent's pursuit of a 'fix'."

Crowther says when the public began to express concerns about increasing drug use, the RCMP started a campaign that focused on education.

"People are generally hesitant about calling the police with information, but through education they have found out they can call us without having to give their name, or they can call Crime Stoppers," he said.

"We then review the information very carefully and compare it to similar information from other sources."

To step up their efforts, police began several surveillance initiatives that included keeping a close eye on known drug users and traffickers.

Since then, police have arrested five people, one who has been caught twice, and seized $1,684.33 in cash, 232.5 grams of marijuana and an undisclosed amount that was destined for Holman Island from Kugluktuk.

"We've started to make a dent in the problem and in a small community the news travels like wildfire," said Crowther.

"Many people are aware of the recent busts and more people seem to have a renewed confidence in (the police)."

Last weekend police arrested and charged a man with possession for the purpose of trafficking after finding $1,030 in cash and eight grams of marijuana on him.

All of those arrested in the crackdown will make court appearances on Dec. 8 in Kugluktuk.