McLennan RCMP cracking down on illegal drugs

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

McLennan RCMP want to send a message to drug users and traffickers in the region: It’s just a matter of time before we bust you.

That is a message Const. Patrick Frenette hopes drug abusers know as they are conducting their business.

“We are making great progress in terms of information we’ve received involving local consumers, dealers and especially outside dealers,” says Frenette. “This is largely because the public has been giving us a lot of useful information regarding drugs in the area.”

Frenette explains the two most used drugs in the Smoky River Region are marijuana and crack-cocaine.

“There are going to be a lot more people getting charged for trafficking and possession in the next few months,” says Frenette. “You may think you’ll be able to evade us, but it’s just a matter of time before we bust you.”

Frenette says many of the domestic issues, assaults, and other problems the RCMP deal with are directly related to either drug use or trafficking.

“We’re hear to enforce the laws, as an RCMP officer we are not here to judge,” he says. “Our goal is to make the community a safer place to live and do business.”

McLennan RCMP have managed to eliminate some of the drug issues in the area in the past few months, making a few busts. Frenette explains they are frequently observing any potential drug movement they hear about. He also says there will be a few more people being handed the book in upcoming months.

“Most of the thefts in our area are directly related to the drug trade,” he explains. “Unfortunately the traffickers don’t have to follow the law – but we do, so it takes more time to get these guys. With help from individuals in the community, we can make these busts quicker and eliminate the problem more efficiently.”

Frenette was formerly a drug dog handler for federal corrections in New Brunswick. He says per capita we have high incidences of drugs, especially crack cocaine.

“Drug investigations are an integral part of finding a safe community,” he says. “Fortunately the information we’re getting is that the drug problems are slowly decreasing.”

While crack cocaine is a big issue in McLennan and marijuana in Falher, there is also evidence of some black market pills (dilaudids) and other drugs including ecstasy, and magic mushrooms in the Smoky River Region.

If you have any information regarding drug use in the area, please phone the McLennan RCMP at 780-324-3086 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Remember all information provided to the RCMP remains confidential, and you do not have to provide your name.

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