The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Police want residents to be on the lookout for suspicious activity as officers continue to crack down on drug production and trafficking in the Flin Flon-Creighton area. A joint statement issued by the Flin Flon and Creighton RCMP detachments asks the public to watch for activity that may indicate the presence of a meth lab or marijuana grow operation in their neighbourhood. "The most unsuspicious house in a normal suburban neighbourhood could contain a clandestine lab or marijuana grow operation," reads the statement. "Marijuana grows have been discovered and dismantled by police in the last year in our communities, and clandestine labs are becoming more of a concern for police across the country." Saying that "it is no secret that illegal substances and drugs are in our community," police ask the public to keep in mind these factors, which may be indications of drug activity: Access denied to landlords or vistors. Odourous chemicals, such as solvents, vinegar, fabric softener, or ammonia. Blacked-out windows. Unusual traffic, such as excessive nighttime visitors. Stained soil, burn pits, dead vegetation, or other traces of chemical dumping. An unusual amount of packaging from over-the-counter cold medicines. Unusual numbers of gas canisters or fuel containers normally used for camp stoves. Paraphernalia such as masks, filters, hosing, clamps, and coolers. Evidence of tampering with Hydro lines or electric meters. A rooftop with no snow even though surrounding rooftops are covered. A lack of garbage or other signs that a house is not being occupied, or "phony signs" that a house is occupied, such as light timers. Police believe the assistance of watchful residents provides them with an added advantage against criminals. "The RCMP would like to point out that the knowledge that people have of their community will undoubtedly put a dent in illegal activity in their neighbourhoods," reads the statement. Police ask anyone who sees suspicious activity to contact Creighton RCMP at 688-8888, Flin Flon RCMP at 687-7488, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Callers to Crime Stoppers will never be required to attend court or reveal their name or phone number, even if they receive a cash reward.
