CRASH VICTIM MOURNED Fatal car accident in Mission claims young girl
MILLION BRINK OF DOLLAR TICKET ELIMINATION Eight co-workers share 6/49 jackpot
PAGE 3
PAGE 10
Outlaws have Abbotsford on the ropes PAGE 13
2012
CCNA
85¢+ GST
Friday, March 11, 2016
SERVING MISSION SINCE 1908
Huge increase in overdoses In 2015 firefighters responded to 25 drug overdoses – 18 already in 2016 Kevin Mills Mission Record
The number of drug overdoses in Mission have risen rapidly so far this year. New fire chief Dale Unrau told council on Monday that firefighters have responded to at least 18 overdoses in 2016. That’s more than half of the 25 overdose calls in all of 2015, in just the first two months of the year.
Based on the current response statistics, Unrau said “we’re in for a large increase in this type of incidents.” Police are aware of the increase and continue to target traffickers. “This reported increase highlights the dangers of illicit drug use,” said Mission RCMP Insp. Ted De Jager. “There is an increase in the distribution of Fentanyl, although we have no evidence to suggest that this is the cause at this point.
We will continue to work with our partners to target those who traffic in these types of drugs. These dealers prey on some of our most vulnerable citizens and are a direct threat to the safety of our community.” UNRAU Fentanyl is a fast-acting narcotic that is said to have heroin-like ef-
fects. It is similar to, but more potent than morphine. The increase in overdoses is not just a Mission problem. Numbers have been rising across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. In an attempt to prevent overdose fatalities, the B.C. Ministry of Health is now allowing first responders to administer naloxone, if needed, in overdose cases. Currently, Mission firefighters are only Continued on A4
STORM TOPPLES TREES A parked vehicle on Grand Street and 3rd Ave. was encompassed by a fallen tree as a wind storm blew its way through the Fraser Valley Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Gusts hit the 90 km/h mark at the peak of the storm. As of Thursday morning, approximately 2,500 Mission homes lost power, according to the BC Hydro website. About 100,000 customers were without power in the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and North and West Vancouver. The storm forced several Mission schools to close for the day. KEVIN MILLS PHOTO
Great selection of tires to suit your lifestyle.
THE NEW
K02 TAKES ON
CANADIAN EXTREMES
Premium Tires & Top-Rated Service
Introducing the BFGoo BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire
Our technicians have h over 40 years combined experience.
www.symonstire.com www.symonstire.com
• BRAKE SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • LUBE & OIL • CLUTCHES • ALTERNATORS • MUFFLERS & EXHAUST • TIRES: ROTATION & BALANCING • WHEEL ALIGNMENT • SHOCKS & STRUTS • DIAGNOSTICS
33245 GLASGOW AVENUE, MISSION (Located next to commuter rail) 604.826.9119