Justice
June 26, 2014

Making Communities Safer by Combatting Illegal Drugs

Minster Recognizes International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

On June 26 each year, the United Nations acknowledges the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This year, the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Justice, is using this day as an opportunity to recognize the hard work of police and other officials in Newfoundland and Labrador’s justice system in fighting the problem in this province.

“Our province is certainly not immune to the risks related to illegal drugs and the considerable impact that they have on our communities. Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing sustained prosperity and with that comes challenges which we must combat. We will continue to invest in policing and other aspects of the justice system to ensure that all residents can live in safety and security.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Justice

Over the past decade, the Provincial Government has invested significantly in policing throughout the province. Since 2004, more than $1 billion has been invested in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and more than 145 new officers have been hired. Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, provides resources for five new RCMP officers for Labrador and for the RNC to hire 20 new recruits by 2016-17.

Budget 2014 also provides an additional $500,000 for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - Newfoundland and Labrador (CFSEU-NL). This provincial, joint force between the RNC and the RCMP partners with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime in all areas of the province. Since being formed, the CFSEU-NL had seized illegal drugs with an estimated street value of more than $2 million along with more than $540,000 in cash. Three firearms and other illegal weapons were also removed from communities.

“Illegal drugs and organized crime pose significant threats, but through cooperation between various branches of the justice system, we are seeing those who are involved in these illicit activities being arrested, charged and convicted. Fighting the illegal drug trade is a complex and often dangerous job and I commend all of those who work to make our province as safe as possible.”
- Minister French

This year marks the 27th annual International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

QUICK FACTS

• Each year, June 26 is recognized by the United Nations as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
• In Newfoundland and Labrador, considerable resources are invested to combat illegal drug activity in all areas of the province. Since 2004, more than $1 billion has been invested in policing.
• In 2013, the Provincial Government formed the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Newfoundland and Labrador (CFSEU-NL) which has a mandate to fight child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime across Newfoundland and Labrador.
• In less than a year, the CFSEU-NL had seized illegal drugs with an estimated street value of more than $2 million along with more than $540,000 in cash. Three firearms and other illegal weapons were also removed from communities.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 06 26                                        11:20 a.m.