CHIEF WARNS ABBOTSFORD TEENS DEALING DRUGS THEY ARE POTENTIAL TARGETS

Teens involved in petty drug dealing could be targets in the ongoing
war between the UN and Red Scorpions gangs, warns Abbotsford Police
Chief Bob Rich.

Looking to save kids involved in the street level drug trade from
becoming victims in the region's gang war, Abbotsford Police have set
up a youth help line, Rich announced at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Thursday.

All four of the young men recently murdered in Abbotsford were
selling drugs at a low level, and all four were considered associated
with the Red Scorpions, Rich stated.

Rich stressed their links to the Bacon brothers or the upper echelon
of the Red Scorpions was "distant and tenuous" at best.

"But it appears other gangs not successful in targeting the upper
levels of the Bacon association are now targeting people at any
level," said Rich.

"It's a warning to all young people who are dealing drugs. You need
to get out and you need to get out now."

The dynamics of the drug wars among gangs have changed, said Rich.

Women and teens selling drugs at the lowest levels have become
legitimate targets, and gangs don't care if they put innocent
civilians at risk.

That assertion is only a working theory, Rich noted.

There are a "handful" of kids in the community that are risk, and
that form a network throughout the community's schools.

"This is a public warning about the specific and serious risk for
some of the young people in our community," said Rich, flanked by
Mayor George Peary and Abbotsford Board of Education chair Cindy Schafer.

The new Abbotsford Police Youth Help Line will field calls from those
who are dealing drugs but want to break free, or those who are
concerned about a family member or friend.

The pamphlets will be handed out by the school board, which will use
the opportunity to talk to kids about the dangers of getting involved
in the drug trade.

Mayor Peary said Rich and the police department were taking an
unprecedented step in warning high school-aged youth.

"The potential for danger [ in the drug trade] is very high. We don't
want any more [deaths]," said Peary. "We will mobilize as a community
to stop this."

The help line is also being sponsored by the city and Abbotsford
School District.

Schafer took the opportunity to send a message to students of District 34.

"If you need help or are concerned about a friend, approach an adult
you trust and get help."

She encouraged parents to take a proactive approach and question what
their kids are doing, where they are going, and who their friends are.

"As parents we endeavour to keep our kids health and safe. Be
involved in your kids' lives."

The APD Youth Help Line number is 604-864-4787.

For more information visit the City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford School
District and Abbotsford Police Department websites.