'IT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED A LONG TIME AGO'

EAST MOUNTAIN - The drug raids undertaken in parts of Colchester
County yesterday were a relief to some neighbouring residents who
feel they were long overdue.

While some area residents refused to talk to media representatives,
police officers who were guarding the sites of residences included in
the early morning raids said passing motorists were offering comments
such as: "It's about time."

That was also the sentiment of East Mountain resident Linda Rushton,
who lives near one of the raided homes.

"It happened. It should have happened a long time ago. We can't stop
it on our own. The police have known about it as long as we have,"
she said, of the alleged drug activity.

"At least 10 years."

But while neighbours have reported suspected activity to police over
the years, Rushton said, there is also a degree of apprehension about
becoming involved.

"They leave us alone if we leave them alone," she said, of the
increased late-night and holiday traffic that she and other residents
along the George William Johnson Road have had to contend with. "If
the police aren't going to do anything there's nothing we can do
except pray for them ... You know where they're coming from but like
I say, they don't stop to bother anyone."

And while police officers involved in yesterday's busts expressed
optimism about busting up a serious organized drug operation, Rushton
expressed doubt that it will make much difference in the big picture.

"It's not resolved," she said. "It may be stopped for a little while
but they'll never wipe it out."