Drug trade fuelling increase in gun crime in Timmins, police say
CTV
Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids.
Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids.
Deputy Chief Darren Dinel told city council at a special meeting Dec. 23 that while some forms of crime are decreasing, crimes involving weapons are rising.
Dinel was responding to a question from Coun. Lorne Feldman, who asked about drug-related crime.
"There is a lot of concern about drug trafficking, and how that is relating to increases in crime," Feldman said.
"You mentioned about gang-related crime and these shootings. Would it be fair to say these are related to increased drug offences?"
Dinel said what they are seeing is a significant increase in the prevalence of guns as drug traffickers fight to gain or keep territory.
