NEWS Fair brings smiles to kids of all ages Page 1, 12 & 13
HEALTH
COMMUNITY What’s a BickleSeagrave? Find out Page 4
Don’t encourage the furry visitors to stay Page 8 $1.10 Includes TAX
SPOTLIGHT The Similkameen
Volume 64 Issue 36
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
Charges laid in international drug sting Kristi Patton Penticton Western News
Charges were laid in a substantial international drug sting that began with a seizure of ecstasy in Princeton. “We took a significant amount of drugs off the streets during this investigation,” said Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. spokesperson Sgt. Ghalib Bhayani. “The cocaine alone represents a street value (per gram) of over $17 million.” The investigation spanned B.C., California, Mexico and Peru and was initiated in 2008 following information from the Drug Enforcement Administration that Canadian and American-based citizens were using a sophisticated system of encrypted smartphones to communicate and organize drug transactions on an international scale. The investigation revealed that a number of the accused travelled extensively throughout North and South America, conspiring to buy cocaine and importing it into Canada. Bhayani said their first seizure of drugs came on Aug. 21, 2008 when 23 kilograms (117,000 pills) of ecstasy were seized in Princeton. Princeton RCMP and South Okanagan Traffic Services conducted a routine check on Highway 3 and Copper Mountain Road around 1 p.m. when they stopped a 1981 Buick Regal with expired plates and a temporary operating permit. Four, one kg bags of ecstasy pills were located under the back seat. In addition, two hidden compartments were found in the car’s interior. Inside those, police found an additional 29 bags of pills. One adult male and female, from Vancouver, were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. A total of 121 kg was seized at the Pacific Border crossing on Dec. 20, 2008.
Mat Duffus was able to convince people of all ages to join him for some laughs and singing on stage during Princeton’s 47th Agricultural Fair held this past weekend. Brynn Johnson (center) had a blast showing everyone she was so happy!
See STING - Page 2
See FAIR - Page 13
Weather Watch
Wendy Bentley/Spotlight
Agricultural fair was fun for all ages Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Pancake breakfast, performances by the Marron Valley Drill Team and greetings from Princeton Mayor, Frank Armitage began the 47th annual Princeton and District Agricultural Fair this past weekend. Saturday and Sunday hosted activities and fun for all ages including performances by Princeton’s own ‘Trubador,’ Allan Kovaltsenko and an awesome Saturday night dance with the Ken McCoy Band. Sandra Dixon added a new event to this years fair with her horse jumping demonstrations/workshops. Mat Duffus returned to the fair this year, bringing a great deal of smiles and laughter to kids of all ages.
Princeton
Demonstrations and information were given to attendees by Princeton Ground Search and Rescue, Princeton Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Princeton Highway Extrication Society (Highway Rescue). The president of Highway Rescue and Princeton’s newest Councillor, Doug Pateman contributed his talent as grand speaker and emceed the fair events. All kinds of food and items to purchase were provided by a number of different vendors. Fun Zone Rentals out of Kamloops, brought out the equipment that provided hours of enjoyment—Lazer Tag being a huge hit again this year. “Everything went well,” said fair president Danny Kastor, “I am pleased with how it turned out.”
2,000 Appliances Available Right Here! Why Make the Drive?
Wednesday
High 26/Low 8
Thursday
High 26/Low 10
Friday
High 27/Low 9
•Fridges & Freezers • Home Electronics • Washers & Dryers • Dishwashers •Barbecues • Lawn Mowers • Treadmills • Vacuums • TVs • Stereos & More
Saturday
High 25/Low 11
“When it’s on sale at Sears, it’s on sale at Princeton Sears”
Sunday
High 19/Low 11
207 Bridge Street, Princeton BC • 250-295-6933 Locally Owned and operated by Murray White & Cathy Facey
We are your Hometown Sears. If we don’t have it in-store, we’ll get it for you, and deliver it to your door.
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