A DRUG PROBLEM

Two separate reports of serious drug incidents in Summerland last week
should raise some alarms in this community.

In one case, a marijuana grow operation was taken down and some plants
and drug-related paraphernalia were seized.

In another case, two people were charged with drug
trafficking.

Cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy pills and drug paraphernalia were
found when a vehicle was searched last Thursday.

At first glance, it may be easy to dismiss these incidents as isolated
cases, involving just a few people.

But marijuana growers and drug traffickers do not stay in business
unless there are customers for their products.

The two incidents last week should be seen as signs of an ongoing drug
problem in Summerland.

This is not the first time a drug bust has occurred or drug-related
charges have been issued.

Concerns have already been raised about drug use in
Summerland.

The community now has a full-time drug and alcohol abuse treatment
coordinator working through the Summerland Asset Development Initiative.

Last year, Summerland held a forum on crystal methamphetamine
addiction and earlier, a community forum was held on drug use and addictions.

So far, this community has been fortunate. While we have some problems
with drugs and drug use, the situation is not yet out of control.

When drug use becomes rampant, a number of social problems will soon
escalate.

This will happen here unless we can control drug activity.

If we do not want the problems associated with drug use and abuse, we
need to start talking about it.

We need to realize we have a potentially serious problem right here.