Jasper might be known for its snowcapped mountains, glacial fed lakes and its abundance of wildlife, but there’s new evidence to suggest there’s more to Jasper than meets the eye.
A report released by the RCMP recently revealed Jasper had the second-highest number of marijuana busts per capita in the country.
In fact, according to the report for every 100,000 people that visited Jasper last year there were 3,024 incidents involving the possession of cannabis. Lake Louise earned the top spot with 3,675 incidents in 2015.
At first glance these statistics might be disconcerting, given that there are only about 5,000 residents in our tiny mountain town, but with more than two million visitors annually and a major highway that connects Alberta to the B.C. coast it really isn’t that surprising.
What should be concerning however is that this report confirms an uncomfortable truth–Jasper is located along a major drug corridor.
What this report doesn’t show, but is perhaps even more concerning, is that marijuana is just the tip of the iceberg.
In fact, during the last big drug bust in August, police not only netted a significant amount of marijuana, but they also seized 300 grams of magic mushrooms, 130 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of MDMA, a form of methamphetamine.
In March, two Jasperites were charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking after the Jasper RCMP seized 34 ounces of cocaine and 4.6 grams of crystal meth. RCMP estimated the street value of the drugs to be about $100,000.
While marijuana might be the most commonly used drug in town, police readily admit that they are more concerned about harder drugs like cocaine, which have more serious consequences.
To help curb drug use in town, the RCMP have taken a two-pronged approached, executing more search warrants and educating Jasper’s teens.
Earlier this year the RCMP did a drug presentation for students at Jasper Junior/Senior High School and École Desrochers. The RCMP also held a presentation for parents.
While the RCMP report may cast an uncomfortable light on Jasper’s underbelly, the only way to combat drug use is to recognize the problem and work together as a community to educate ourselves and eradicate illegal drug use.
