Drug addictions fuelling crime: RNC

Crimes motivated by drug addiction have increased over the past two decades across Newfoundland and Labrador, a forum was told Wednesday night.

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief Robert Johnston said crime rates are relatively low in this province, compared to other parts of the country, but he said the reason why many people commit crimes in this province has changed.

"They're committing criminal activity to pay for their addictions," said Johnston, who addressed Neighbourhood Watch groups.

Johnston gave the example of a conversation he had with a man who admitted that he broke the law to feed an addiction to prescription drugs.

"We chatted for awhile and I said, 'At the height of your addiction to oxycodone, how much would you spend a day?' " Johnston said.

"And he said, 'Well, $500 a day.' That would be $3,500 a week — how would you be able to pay for that habit?' And he said, 'I'm a good thief.' "  

Johnston said the RNC has also seen significant increases in fraud and online crime, as well as marijuana grow-ops on the northeast Avalon Peninsula.