NOTORIOUS DRUG HOUSE CONFISCATED

The city's most infamous crack shack has been confiscated by
authorities.

The white and dilapidated bungalow, along with the property at
1921-19th Ave. in Campbellton, is now the property of the Crown after
forfeiture proceedings were carried out Dec. 15.

"This is the best news I've gotten in a long time...and most of the
people around here are pretty happy," said Gary Jansen, who lives next
door to the problem house.

RCMP Cpl. Brian Brown said neighbours were doing "the happy dance"
when police showed up with a tow truck last month to remove the old
motorhome from the driveway.

They also informed owner Julie Hansen, 64, that she had 30 days to
leave the home which was formerly owned by her mother.

"The problems started years ago with her mom and I've been here for 20
years," said Jansen.

Hansen has a drug-related criminal record and was last arrested at her
residence in the summer of 2008, after undercover police officers
purchased crack cocaine from residents at that property.

As a result, Hansen later pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled
substance, while Charles Lafleur, 26, pleaded guilty to drug
trafficking.

But despite 14 searches by police, arrests and numerous complaints of
people making drug buys at all hours, the illegal activities have
continued for nearly 20 years.

That is until two years ago when Bill and Surinder Tsangaris, owners
of the nearby White Tower Restaurant, organized public meetings to
raise awareness about the ongoing criminal activity in
Campbellton.

After several raucous meetings, police vowed to increase their
presence in the oldest part of the city and to crack down on drug
trafficking and prostitution.

That also led to an investigation of the Hansen property by the RCMP's
Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime Asset Forfeiture Unit. Acting in
conjunction with the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office, the members
successfully petitioned the B.C. Supreme Court to confiscate the home
and property. A drug house in Port Hardy was also confiscated.

News of the forfeitures was formally announced Wednesday by Mounties
and it was good news for Hansen's neighbours. John Robilliard, a
retired Campbellton businessman, looked very pleased as he spoke with
Jansen and then strolled over to the White Tower where he found
Surinder Tsangaris.

"I'm so proud of her," he said, as hugged and congratulated her. "She
was the one who provided the leadership in all of this and made things
happen."

Tsangaris blushed as she received the accolades, but was quick to
credit others for the progress that has been made in
Campbellton.

"I'm so proud of the whole community. I couldn't have done this
myself," she said. "When we started out, my friends and neighbours
said I was dealing with dangerous people, but we all came together as
a community and the police supported us. It wasn't easy - it was
pathetic and getting so out of hand - but now we've made a big step.
Everyone is so happy."

However, she's also heard criticism that Campbellton's gain means the
drug dealers are going elsewhere, such as Dogwood Street.

But Tsangaris urges other residents to work together to make positive
changes.

"You have to stand up together and fight back!" she said. "I have
nothing against them (drug addicts) - it's a sad story. They're human
beings and deserve respect. All I ask is you respect me back."

The two-bedroom home at 1921-19th Ave. is now up for sale and is
listed at $65,000 by Royal LePage.

Jansen said he is considering purchasing the property and getting rid
of the house which is surrounded by garbage.

"Tear it down. That's what I would do. This is a nice area if it
wasn't for that house," he said.