Ottawa pledges 100 new Mounties to quell drug war in Surrey

The federal government has pledged 100 new Mounties for Surrey in the middle of a spasm of gun violence and added $3.5 million to extract those vulnerable to becoming gang members in the drug-fuelled turf war.

National Revenue Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay unveiled the double-barrelled strategy aimed at restoring safety to Surrey after months of targeted shootings that have injured many and killed one man.

The response comes as Surrey’s leaders and the provincial government wave white flags for help from the federal government.

Regional police have made only minor headway stopping the ongoing gun violence that has targeted adversaries in cars, residences and on the streets.

“I think you’ll start to see results right away,” Findlay told reporters Tuesday at the announcement at the Surrey School District head office.

She couldn’t say when the new officers will be in place, noting that process is still being worked out.

The commitment directly answers a formal request for more officers made by the city and B.C.’s attorney general.

Police believe a group of South Asians is battling a group of Somali descent for control of the area’s low-level drug trade.

Five people have been arrested so far in about 30 shootings since early March, half which police have tied to the dispute. About 40 cars have fled from crime scenes. Numerous witnesses have refused to co-operate.

The bolstered force is expected to make an imminent difference, Surrey’s acting mayor Barbara Steele said. But she noted the city’s needs continue to grow along with its population, which includes the vulnerable children of refugees.

“Those are kids who are at risk to get into the wrong groups. So we’re always going to need it,” Steele said. “The RCMP right now is actually doing a sterling job. … It’s just that the problem is huge.”

Sometimes, younger brothers of people involved have been identified. The Surrey School District has launched a new program aimed at intercepting those believed to be at risk of enlisting in the gangs, said Rob Rai, manager of the Safe Schools program.

He’s hoping the new $3.5 million will wipe out entirely a waiting list of 20 students, between the ages of 11 and 19, who need direct intervention, as well as ensure no one else goes without support for the next five years.

“Those are kids who are at risk to get into the wrong groups … The RCMP right now is actually doing a sterling job … It’s just that the problem is huge.” — Barbara Steele