'COCAINE IS THE NEW POT' - JUBY

City Councillor Declares War On Drugs As New Cops Hired

Councillor Bill Juby is declaring a war on drugs. At Monday night's
City Council meeting, a motion was passed to ask the Peterborough
Lakefield Police Services Board to form a committee to explore what
resources are needed to tackle, what Coun. Juby calls an increasing
drug problem in the city.

"People don't know how bad it is," says Coun. Juby.

He had an eyeful recently when he went on a ride-along with an
officer. He witnessed the darker side of Peterborough, namely its
crack smokers and other drug addicts. Coun. Juby says he's also talked
to other police officers and bar owners regarding drugs in the city,
prompting him to ask for the committee.

"It's gotten worse. I know a young guy who came back to the city after
two years and he couldn't believe the change," says Coun. Juby.

"He said cocaine is now the pot of Peterborough."

Coun. Juby says he wants the committee to determine what more the
police service can do to tackle the drug situation. He says they may
suggest hiring more police officers, investing in new technologies or
employing a canine unit strictly for sniffing out drugs.

In addition to passing Coun. Juby's motion, City Council also agreed
to hire five new officers for the force. Two of those officers will be
directed to the front line. Coun. Juby says it'd be nice if there were
two officers dedicated to the drug problem.

If the committee's report states the city needs more officers to deal
with drugs, Coun. Juby admits, "we'd have a problem." He says the City
couldn't afford to pay for more officers at this time.

"But we could look at it if it's on a contract basis," says Coun.
Juby.

Regardless of what is done, Peter McLean, chair of the police services
board, says the war on drugs is an almost impossible war to win.

"You could spend millions, but it's a never-ending battle," he
adds.

Mr. McLean says local officers are competent in dealing with the
problem in Peterborough, but says if one dealer is busted, another
pops up.

"We are making strides in curtailing it, but it's not just
Peterborough. Addiction is the problem," he says.

He adds the police board would most likely agree to look into the
matter to come up with a strategy. Mr. McLean says they may do some
targeted enforcement on the local drug trade.