TOP COP PROMISES TOUGHER DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Two dozen residents and community leaders filed in to the Shannon
Lake Golf Course clubhouse Friday morning to meet with Westside RCMP
commander Staff Sgt. Duncan Dixon about what they say is a growing
drug problem in the vicinity of East Boundary and Capri Roads.

A retired RCMP member, who attended the meeting, said he was
personally "very, very disappointed" in local police response. "I
have reported actual incidents taking place and viewing it and
providing information but get no further follow up."

He said he knows RCMP are shorthanded, but residents are concerned
about drug dealing at the strip mall fronting nearby Ross Road. And
the area needs police attention, said the man, who did not give his name.

"I've watched drug transactions taking place between drug dealers and
students from Boucherie school and it's very disheartening to see
open dealing to our kids."

The latest exchange was witnessed on Tuesday morning, he mentioned.

Dixon said he has asked members to increase patrols in that area,
since meeting organizer Mary Mandarino raised drug-related concerns
with council two weeks ago.

"We've had more police in that area than any other area in Westside
for sure," added Dixon.

RCMP have gone to the school and have met with the Mount Boucherie
Community Centre next door.

Casa Loma resident Alice Hargreaves asked what priority RCMP place on
reported problems with youth and drugs.

Officers take the matter very seriously, Dixon responded.

"The high school is a priority for us. Crime shouldn't be happening
around that school."

Mount Boucherie vice-principal Kathy Weninger said police have been
"terrific in responding to the school."

RCMP and Mount Boucherie school are working together to address the
problem, she said.

"The RCMP is trying to create a higher profile, which is something
youth really need and we've noticed some definite improvements around
our school," Weninger stated.

But, with 1,500 kids attending the school, it can sometimes be tough,
she noted.

Dixon also noted that Westside is better equipped than most rural
detachments in the province, when it comes to drug enforcement.
Westside can draw on experienced officers from Kelowna. Most rural
detachments get far greener members who need lots of shakedown time
to become knowledgeable drug enforcement officers.

David Ferch, who's lived on Capri Road for 18 years, asked if there
was anything residents could do to help police if they witness drug
transactions.

Dixon encouraged residents to call police immediately and request
response if they see a drug deal. The RCMP commander suggested
residents follow Mandarino's lead and approach council if the problem
worsens. And keeping vigilant watch and recording suspicious activity
in their neighbourhood will help over time too.

Another Capri Road resident Tracey Gooch said she has been observing
an escalating problem with drugs since Mount Boucherie became the
Westside's only high school. The school is seemingly unable to deal
with the influx of students, she said.

On the other hand, there are few problems with Constable Neil Bruce
Middle School because it's a closed campus, she noted.

Friday's meeting with Dixon was the first step in finding a permanent
solution, she commented.

"We as citizens need to become more proactive."

She would like to see RCMP, residents, area business, council and the
school work together on the solution.

Beyond that, a neighbourhood watch may be a possible next step. "I
think it's something we should look at."