Cops Corner

By Brian L. Huff Cpl.
Detachment Commander
Minnedosa Detachment

Your Minnedosa members responded to just over 20 calls for service this past week. Normally this time of year, our calls for service increase due to increased traffic, colder weather and sometimes as a result of extended visits by the in-laws. All kidding aside, Christmas is unfortunately the season where our Impaired Driving statistics increase and we've been trying to curb that through this article, education and visibility by being out there as often as we can. I am very pleased that we did not apprehend a single Impaired Driver this past week. Keep up the great work Minnedosa!

Although Impaired Driving is one of our priorities over the Season, we got an additional "surprise" when we stopped a vehicle from Alberta the other evening. Now I would have to agree that our police vehicles are pretty "cool" when it comes to everything in it, but one of the best items is what's known as a radar detector detector. Nope...didn't repeat myself. It's a device that actually identifies when someone is using a radar detector and boy was it squawking and beeping that night when the 2006 Porsche Cayenne from Calgary went by.

The members approached the vehicle and aside from the dozen or more air fresheners, bad cologne and general weirdness of the 2 people inside, the smell of fresh marihuana literally radiated from the car. That in and of itself puts everyone police don't know under arrest and "assuming the position". Following the arrest, a search is conducted. Now it's not rocket science....when you smell dope, you expect to find dope but imagine our surprise when a shoe-box overflowing with Canadian currency was also located.

In all, $49,615.00 in cash was seized. Something tells me they weren't Christmas Shopping when in addition to the money, we located 4.5 pounds of marihuana, 1.5 ounces of hash and about $25,000 in steroids....liquid testosterone prohibited in Canada.

Our specialists with the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Section were also down for a visit thanks to these two and it appears the Porsche might be the Queen's property shortly....maybe Minnedosa will have a new "Police Car" for Christmas?

The 2 males from Alberta were remanded in custody with numerous charges under the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act.

Speaking of Court and recent drug charges, some local youth recently had their charges dismissed when they appeared in court and the Federal Crown Attorney was not present. For those of us that don't know, a special Federal Crown Attorney is responsible for handling all Federal charges like those under the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act. Sometimes there are hiccups in the system and through no fault of our own, it happened in Minnedosa. Although we could have re-laid these charges and sent them back to court yet again, the important thing is what these youth learned and take with them as a result of their experience. I sincerely hope that they use this opportunity to do things a little differently.

Our 2009 speeder of the week goes to 56 year old Ayana NEPHTELAM of the USA for traveling 126 Kph on Highway #16.

When I came in to write this article tonight, I couldn't help but notice the sudden increase in sugary "supplements" for my diet waiting on the counter. With these tasty morsels of pure excitement calling my name (and everything with the exception of my waistline thanks you) was a card. I mention this not because of the need to justify why I'm eating yet again tonight but for the sincere thoughts and feeling that went into it's presentation. For in this card was a message from the parents of a very special person. A special person who wound up "slipping" on the road of life and needed some support from police. A message that said thanks. Although not necessary, it was very nice to hear that our youth was doing alright. That's why we're here. We don't come to work every morning or night saying "who's kid can we pick on today" or "How many charges can I lay tonight". If you ask any RCMP officer why they wanted to become a Mountie and if they are honest with you, they'll tell you it was because they wanted to serve and "help people".

Although I think the world of our Officers and believe me, you won't find a better team anywhere, it is YOU the parents that deserve the thanks. For your unwavering understanding, support and dedication to providing a safe and secure environment for our youth all while working with your RCMP members when our kids sometimes trip and fall. For this and many other reasons, THANK YOU.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season.