NEW WATERFORD HAS 'SERIOUS DRUG PROBLEM' - POLICE CHIEF

NEW WATERFORD - The community's significant problem with drug
addiction and efforts to solve it were outlined at a well-attended
meeting at the fire hall Monday.

The gathering was the fourth in a series organized by the Community
Partnership on Drug Abuse, a group formed in 2004 to address the
impact of drug abuse on the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

"There is a serious drug problem in this community," said committee
member and Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Edgar MacLeod. "There is
no denying it."

He said the problem is affecting the community's quality of life,
while drawing a correlation between drug abuse and crime.

MacLeod admitted to not having the answers but said open dialogue is
important in moving toward solutions.

The meeting also saw Edward Harris, director of addiction services,
talk of programs they offer, including detoxification, counselling and
emphasis on prevention.

"We'd like to intervene with people sooner, before detoxification
programs," Harris said.

"We are making progress. People are telling us they are doing
better."

One example of progress in New Waterford is a methadone clinic, Harris
said.

However, one comment from the floor suggested otherwise.

One man indicated knowledge of those using methadone clinics as simply
a way of coping with their addiction until they have enough money to
get their drug of choice.

A worker with the methadone clinic defended its effectiveness, saying
they provide the opportunity for people to make significant life changes.

Another audience member said her daughter began abusing drugs at the
age of 14 and hopes to see more rehabilitation programs for youth.

Frustration overcame one man who claimed the community is being held
for ransom by drug dealers and vandals.

Other comments pointed to the surprising young age of drug dealers,
hopes that young offenders can receive harsher punishments and
suggestions for support for families of the drug addicted.

Jane Lewis, chair of the partnership steering committee, was pleased
with the size of the audience and the input they provided.

"People are concerned about policing and safety issues; they are
concerned about families. Those are things we have high on the radar
screen for the partnership."