PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS1130) -The RCMP insists the DNA samples they are taking from Prince George cabbies in connection with murdered and missing women along Highway 16 are strictly voluntary.

The RCMP’s Annie Linteau says cab drivers could have come into contact with the women. “We know that these women frequently used taxis to get around. We have to remember that this is a consensual process, and people have the right to refuse to provide a DNA sample,” she explains.

She says collecting samples allows investigators to narrow down their focus, and that most people approached are happy to help out. About 600 samples have been collected so far, from people from all walks of life and occupations.

Since 1960s, 18 women have been killed or have disappeared from the highway which stretches from Prince George to Prince Rupert.