THE SENIOR RCMP officer in the Hazeltons has issued a plea for information aimed at stopping drug trafficking.
“There is a necessity to continue this ongoing "war on drugs" as substance abuse is an issue within our area which must not be ignored,” said acting sergeant Don Wrigglesworth this morning.
“I ask anyone with information on drug dealers to come forward and tell the local police about what you know so that we can continue to successfully prosecute these individuals.”
His comments were made in the context of a release concerning the recent sentencing of Terrace resident Fred Mowatt.
“Recently, in Terrace Court, Mowatt pled guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine and possession of stolen property over $5000, and [was] sentenced to four years in jail,” Wrigglesworth said.
“Mowatt also received a lifetime firearms prohibition and ordered to forfeit all firearms and cash seized during the investigation.”
Wrigglesworth said Mowatt is well known within the Hazelton community and has many family connections locally.
A second man is to appear in court this December on charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
“There is no way to measure the negative impact these two individuals have had on the community over the past number of years, but the recent court result is very positive,” said Wrigglesworth.
“As the acting sergeant in charge of New Hazelton {RCMP] detachment I would like to thank the many police officers involved in this matter.,” he continued.
“I also extend thanks to the communities and leaders for their patience while awaiting an outcome to our pledged commitment to battle drugs in our community.”