cannabisnews.com: RCMP Plan Raid on Rowdy Campers!





RCMP Plan Raid on Rowdy Campers!
Posted by FoM on August 16, 1999 at 12:33:59 PT
By Chris Dawson, Calgary Herald
Source: Calgary Herald
Alberta RCMP and provincial conservation officers plan a large-scale crackdown on crime in the controversial Waiparous wilderness area northwest of Calgary. 

The operation will be held by summer's end on an undisclosed date, said a Herald source in the Alberta natural resources department. On holiday weekends, up to 15,000 campers descend on the 1,400-square-kilometre Waiparous region north of Cochrane, about 60 kilometres from Calgary. Most of those campers are law-abiding and responsible, but "lawless" behaviour has become so rampant that a government-sponsored committee has been struck to deal with the issue. Illegal activities include drug use, property damage, littering, drunk driving and reckless operation of off-road vehicles. Marijuana stands have also been set up in the region. "Any enhancement of law enforcement for that area will be welcomed by everyone involved," Coun. Bob Taylor of the Municipal District of Bighorn said Sunday. Taylor, who sits on the committee, said he's heard talk of a major crackdown, but doesn't know any details. Taylor said a crackdown would allow legal authorities to "be able to re-establish their presence in the area." However, he said he hoped any initial crackdown would be followed by a "consistent presence." Earlier this month, Environment Minister Gary Mar vowed to crack down on rowdy campers in the Waiparous region. "I'm angry that so few people there ruin things for a lot of people," Mar said. Waiparous contains 180 kilometres of provincially designated 4 x 4 trails, and is considered one of Alberta's best areas for off-highway vehicles. A number of Calgary and area off-road vehicle clubs have also been calling for more enforcement in the area, claiming it's only a tiny percentage of drivers who unfairly paint all four-wheelers with the same brush. Lisa Hodges, president of the Alberta United Recreationists Society, said recently that her organization promotes a code of ethics for responsible off-road use.Pubdate: August 16, 1999
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