Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 23/02) - The Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP is continuing its efforts to slow the local drug trade.

RCMP recently made two significant drug seizures in Rankin, taking a large quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia off hamlet streets.

Rankin Inlet RCMP Const. Christa Mitchell displays some of the drugs, paraphernalia and cash taken in recent drug seizures in the community. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Drug co-ordinator Const. Christa Mitchell says while such seizures slow the drug trade, education is the key to long-term gains in battling drug use.

"Drugs are everywhere, whether you're talking the North or any community across Canada," says Mitchell.

"Our detachment is taking an active role in both enforcement and education to slow the drug trade in our community."

The drugs of choice in Rankin are marijuana and hashish, police say.

Although the price demanded by dealers varies depending on drug quality, quantity and availability, most marijuana users are paying about $50 per gram.

"Dealers use many different techniques to obtain their supplies, but most drugs are coming in from the South on airplanes."

Mitchell says a community can play a vital role in helping police slow the drug trade.

She says there are two main ways people can help stem the tide of drug use in their community.

"The first thing people can do is educate their children on the dangers associated with drug use, which includes knowing what their kids are doing and who they're hanging around with.

"Citizens can also let us know when they have information regarding drug trafficking in their community.

"If people are fearful in reporting the information, they can call Crime Stoppers or contact a detachment and remain anonymous.

"They don't have to give their name."

Mitchell says the RCMP is actively involved delivering the just-say-no-to-drugs message in local classrooms.

She says many kids are receptive to what the officers have to say.

"The kids pay close attention because the topic is one they've heard about, especially in Grade 7 and up.

"Educating youth against drugs is the best route in long-term attempts to curb drug use in our communities because the drug trade slows down as a market shrinks."