Prince George RCMP Superintendent Darin Rappel said more players connected to the drug and gang conflict in the province are finding their way up to the northern capital due to it being a geographical hub.
During an interview with Vista Radio, Rappel explained why we are seeing many new faces in this line of work.
“It’s a very lucrative business and we more players in that field than ever before. They are driven by the high-profit margins in the drug business and that includes other areas like illegal cigarettes and some other areas where they are trying to make in-roads in our community.”
He added while that might keep police on their toes, it’s not taking officers nearly as long to track them down.
“I think one of the advantages we have here is although we are a town of roughly 80-thousand it is hard for these individuals to stay under wraps for too long. Some community members sooner or later and, report it up to us so we can take enforcement action.”
The issue of BC’s safe drug supply continues to be a hot topic of conversation across the province following the death of a 13-year-old girl in the Fraser Valley.
Brianna MacDonald passed away from a suspected overdose at an Abbotsford homeless camp after several attempts to get her help seemingly went ignored – the death has been a talking point for public figures such as Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty.
Rappel weighed in on the matter and believes kids still have the invincibility mindset when using illicit substances that are likely to be laced with fentanyl.
“They never seem to think it’s going to affect them. It doesn’t seem to be an issue and maybe it’s the mind of an adolescent that no harm can come to them but unfortunately that is not the case.”
While in many circles, it’s still hard to fathom that the words toxic drugs and safe supply are often being used in the same sentence – Rappel stated the detachment will be stepping up efforts to keep toxic substances away from our youth.
“We can do more to ensure that our youth are safe from the predators out there that don’t care who they sell their product too, they don’t care what happens to them they just want to make a sale and the consequences are available for everyone to see.”
Rappel took over the role of detachment commander from Shaun Wright who retired in the summer.
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