FERGUSON TARGETS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

A councillor has resurrected a bid to ban the sale of drug
paraphernalia in White Rock stores.

Catherine Ferguson tried and failed two years ago to introduce a
bylaw prohibiting the sale of items such as bong pipes.

But Ferguson decided to push once again for a change in the law after
seeing drug-related accessories still on sale on Marine Drive. Her
campaign is backed by the RCMP, who have been unable to convince two
store owners selling the equipment.

"This drug paraphernalia is openly displayed for sale in the stores,"
Ferguson said.

"It's claimed the items are for tobacco. Let's not pretend what's
really happening here.

"As a community, we should be setting an example and a bylaw would
give the RCMP power to deal with this."

The Peace Arch News last week contacted one Marine Drive store that
sells the paraphernalia.

When asked about RCMP's request for them not to sell the items, an
employee said "when the bylaw changes, we will change." The store's
manager did not return phone calls.

Ferguson tabled a motion to council last week stating the "sale of
drugs paraphernalia supports the use of illegal drugs and fosters drug crime."

Her motion called for city staff to prepare a report regarding the
prohibition of the sale of the items.

"Langley City has a bylaw which regulates this and I don't think it's
right to be openly selling this equipment and encouraging the use of
drugs," Ferguson said.

"It's hard for the RCMP. They can go down there and suggest for the
store not to sell the stuff or not to display it so openly, but that's it."

White Rock RCMP's Sgt. Wayne Tomalty said he would welcome the
introduction of the bylaw, given his failed attempts to reason with
store owners.

"There's little doubt this equipment is used for illegal drugs," he said.

"I've approached the stores in question and said that I don't think
it's good for the public to see such items.

"But I was told that this was a significant revenue for them and they
didn't agree it was promoting illegal drug use."

Despite their refusal to co-operate, Tomalty told the store owners he
would still give them a "heads-up" if and when a bylaw is introduced.

"I'm not here to hurt businesses... but if we get rid of this stuff
then maybe crime will fall down," he said.

A report on the possible ban of drugs paraphernalia is expected to be
placed before council next month.

Merchandise not for illicit use, police told