LET'S STOP DRUG DEALERS

I was fortunate enough last week to sit in on a town council meeting
in McLennan involving discussions of local drug problems.

The wealth of information that was given to councillors by a drug
enforcement councillor from central Alberta opened my eyes to the
issues all our communities face concerning drug dealers.

I'm not blind, I do realize there are many drugs floating throughout
the region; crystal meth, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, just to name a few.
But I hadn't taken the time before the meeting to examine what these
drugs are doing to our communities. The issues stretch far beyond the
physical detriment caused to the user. There are child welfare issues,
violence, thievery, and break-ins also associated with drug problems.

To curb the drug problem, the entire region must join together to say
that drug dealers are not welcome in our communities. It is everyone's
problem when someone is mugged for the $20 in their pocket, just so
some junkie can satisfy his addiction to illegal drugs.

How would we feel if our children were robbed for their milk
money?

It is time for us to put our foot down. At the meeting, councillors
were informed that some police detachments have started putting signs
up around drug dealers homes stating essentially, "We know there is
dealing occurring in the area and we will be watching local traffic."
I give kudos for these signs being put up. I think it sends a strong
message to them that society as a whole is sick and tired of dealing
with impending violence and emotional turmoil as a result of their
illegal lifestyle. There is no room for these criminals in any community.

Drugs can so easily take the life of an innocent person, especially
our youth who are often easily persuaded to try drugs out of curiosity
peer pressure.

A lot of these drugs are addictive after only one use and without
solid guidance these young individuals are easily misled.

So, what is the solution?

Well, the police do a great deal to try to eliminate drug problems in
the area, but a shortage of officers can pose some issues with
patrolling. There are not enough people on the police squads to patrol
during high traffic times. Our extraordinarily large remote areas are
difficult to patrol.

The key is for people in the community to stand up and take notice of
all the issues we face concerning drug dealers.

Do not approach the dealer, as that could obviously be very
dangerous.

The best bet is to call your local RCMP detachment and fill them in
one everything you know. This should include license plate numbers,
vehicle descriptions - even a description of the dealer's physical
appearance. If the police are given a multitude of information, their
investigation and subsequent attempt to get search warrants may be
strengthened. I think most people are tired of dealing with criminal
acts and violence committed against their friends and family.

In addition, I don't think parents want to remain concerned about
their children getting caught up in using drugs.

The truth is the issue of illegal drug use is everybody's problem and
it's time that we do something! Personally, I will support any type of
efforts aimed at helping to reduce the drug trafficking. If we all
play a proactive role in the elimination of drugs in our area by
working together, maybe - just maybe - drug dealers will finally get
the message their days are numbered.