DRUG-FREE ZONE ASKED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

EUNICE - The Eunice Housing Authority wants the city of Eunice to declare
it's four housing complexes "drug free zones."

"We have some bad problems. We have drug problems. On behalf of our
residents, employees and the board of commissioners I'm asking for your
help," said Kelly McFarlain, executive director of the Housing Authority of
the City of Eunice.

Police Chief Gary Fontenot said the designation, similar to a school zone,
increases the penalty for anyone caught with drugs. "It doubles the time
and doubles the fine," Fontenot said.

McFarlain said the designation will be one more weapon in the fight against
drugs.

"Like everywhere else the drug problem is getting worse and worse. We are
no exception. We don't want to lose control," McFarlain said.

City Attorney Jacque Pucheu Jr. asked the council to delay a vote on the
matter until their next meeting to give him time to research the law.