DRUG PROBLEM NOT JUST AN EAST-END PROBLEM

A gathering of east-end residents Wednesday defined illegal drug use
and drug dealing as one of the district's major crime problems.

But while there might be a bigger drug problem in the east-end, it is
a problem that affects the entire city.

In short, it's not just an east-end problem. It's a community problem.

There is a good chance that a break-in at a house or business in
another more affluent part of the community was committed by a drug user.

While the contentious debate over whether so-called soft drugs, such
as marijuana, should be legalized continues, there is little doubt
that illegal drug use is linked to other criminal activity in the
community. Several studies have established a close relationship
between drugs and crime.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, who will meet in
Cornwall next month, has identified drug use as a major contributor
to such crimes as theft, break-ins, fraud and prostitution.

Such crimes are often committed by drug users in order to feed their habit.

A drug habit is an expensive habit.

It has been estimated that a full-blown cocaine habit can cost an
addict $43,000 a year, while a recent study by Toronto Metro Police
showed that the average heroin user spends $3,133 a month on the
highly-addictive drug.

Not many drug addicts with this kind of habit are capable of
supporting their need with a regular paycheque.

This theory was reinforced by an Australian study of convicts. It
showed that two-thirds of federal inmates who were illegal drug users
reported having committed their crime in order to get money to buy drugs.

Police agencies in Cornwall and area do an admirable job in fighting
the illegal drug trade, but they can't do the job without some help
from the public.

As Cornwall Community Police Chief Dan Parkinson told those who
attended the town hall meeting Wednesday, "We need to hear from you."

Under Parkinson's leadership, Cornwall Community Police Service has
developed a balanced attack on the drug trade that marries education
(community service) and traditional enforcement (street crime unit).

His decision to invest money and resources in east Cornwall is a
positive step that shouldn't be viewed as an expense, but as an investment.

Too many times residents are of the mistaken belief

But in many ways they are the eyes and ears of law enforcement.

The taking back of a neighbourhood from drug users and dealers starts
with law-abiding citizens.