CRACK-HOUSE LIST TOO LONG FOR CITY

Editorial

DRUGS AND prostitution are getting more attention from Halifax regional
police - a priority illustrated by a sharp increase in charges. But among
the statistics for the first half of the year was a startling disclosure of
drug squads identifying 135 crack houses in metro.

This seems to be an extraordinary number for a city this size. Any rise in
the selling of highly addictive substances such as crack cocaine is linked
to increased crime when money is needed to support drug habits. What isn't
clear in Halifax is if there has been a high level of crack-dealing in the
past with less attention from the police, or it actually has increased.

Cocaine and derivatives, along with other "hard" drugs, have long been
available in metro, providing a lucrative living for professional criminals.

When drug-dealing localities are commonly known, and drug-related crime,
including murder, is far too frequent, it's time for the public to ask why
135 crack houses are still doing business. When is evidence considered
sufficient to raid these dens and put the major traffickers in jail?

Those "hard" drugs directly linked to theft, muggings or any other crimes
of violence need the most attention, as a matter of public safety and
interest. In this line of work, the police need adequate budgets for what
is often complex investigation.