Monday, June 26, 2006

From Spuds To Buds

From the bright red mud, they're rollin' up the fat ones, smilin'.

But it's no laughing matter to the Mounties, because P.E.I. has got itself a booming drug trade:

Since 2000, investigations of 88 individual indoor and outdoor grow operations in Prince Edward Island each led to the seizure of marijuana plants. Elmwood, Summerside and Murray Harbour lead the pack with four grow ops each that police uncovered in the past six-plus years.

....

A recent raid in Charlottetown that netted police drugs, money and other items believed to be the proceeds of crime included a search and seizure on Route 81, the official merchandising store of the Hells Angels.

In a 2002 report on outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada determined that the Hells Angels Halifax chapter had influence over the Charlottetown Harley Club in P.E.I.

Also, the report concluded that a successful operation against the Hells Angels Halifax chapter indicated “the gang’s extensive involvement in drug trafficking.’’

Meanwhile, Conrad said police have serious concern with the increased demand in P.E.I. for drugs that can pack a deadly punch.

Demand is strong in the province for hard-core prescription drugs, cocaine and crack cocaine, he said.


Trust me, coming from the backwoods of Nova Scotia myself, I know this too well; the most bucolic places have the seediest undersides.

Source: Charlottetown Guardian

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