RCMP want to hear from anyone with info on drug activity

Police have appealed for people with information about drug activity in the area to come forward.
Sgt. John Phipps, commander of the Maple Creek RCMP Detachment, said police hear lots of rumours and talk about drug use and trafficking.
However, the number of those who approach the RCMP with information is very small.
“We urge people to come forward,” he said. “You can remain anonymous.”
His plea comes after concern was expressed over reports of drug activity and transients coming into the community. Speaking at the October 26 Town Council meeting, Councillor Cara Teichroeb said Maple Creek and a town down the #1 Highway shared a similar challenge.
“So, you will have a population that might be struggling with drugs, poverty or whatever, and then it escalates,” Councillor Teichroeb said.
She added that some people’s lifestyles can become reflected in anti-social behaviour. “It has a snowball effect,” she said.
Addressing the issue of transients, Sgt. Phipps said a considerable number of people travelled back and forth on Highway #1, especially during the summer.
“I think we saw 6-12 individuals that went back and forth, some of them several times. Typically, the vast majority of them do not commit any crimes, passing through our area.
“We usually try to identify them and find out if they have any needs with the Salvation Army or any appropriate services.”
Such needs could relate to lodging, food, or transportation to somewhere else, said Sgt. Phipps.
Occasionally, he added, these transients reject offers of assistance: all they are doing is walking.
“If they are not committing crimes, all we can do is refer them to the services that are available.”
Councillor Teichroeb worried whether there were sufficient services to cope with the needs of those with such problems as drugs or poverty.
She urged services and volunteer groups to try to ensure people “aren’t falling through the cracks”.
“I agree with you,” Sgt. Phipps replied.

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